Difference between revisions of "Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project (MPWSP)"

From CCoWS Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
(→‎Current Status)
(→‎Timeline)
 
(101 intermediate revisions by 5 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
 +
A [[Watershed Issues|watershed-related topic]] examined by the [[ENVS 560/L Watershed Systems]] class at [http://csumb.edu CSUMB].
 
==Project Summary==
 
==Project Summary==
−
The Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project (MPWSP) is a project designed to meet water production needs for the Monterey Peninsula. It will consist of a [[desalination]] plant, slant intake wells, pipelines for brackish water, pipelines for brine disposal, and production water delivery pipes <ref name="Project Overview"> [http://www.watersupplyproject.org/overview MPWSP, Project Description]</ref>. The MPWSP is currently in the planning phase and will not begin construction until 2017 <ref = MPWSP: Progress Report, January 2015> </ref>. In 2009, a cease and desist order from [[State Water Resources Control Board]] (SWRCB) was enacted to prevent [[California American Water Company (CalAm)|CalAm]] from illegally diverting water from the [[Carmel River]] by December 31, 2016<ref name="MPWSP Background"> [http://www.dra.ca.gov/general.aspx?id=1875 Office of Ratepayer Advocates: Background - Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project]</ref>.  The order requires a 70% reduction in water pumped from the Carmel River by the end of 2016<ref name="Homepage"> [http://www.watersupplyproject.org/ MPWSP, Home Page]</ref>.  Due to this order, an alternative water source became necessary to fulfill the demand of the 40,000 customers in CalAm's Monterey District service area<ref name="Project CEQA"> [http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/Environment/info/esa/mpwsp/index.html CPUC, MPWSP Information Page]</ref>. In 2012, CalAm proposed the MPWSP ([http://www.ceqanet.ca.gov/ProjDocList.asp?ProjectPK=576232 SCH#2006101004]) to fill the growing need for water following the failure of the [[Regional Water Project]] (RWP). The MPWSP will consist of a series of [[slant wells]] designed to pump water to a desalination facility in Marina <ref name="Project Overview" />.  This project would include a 9.6 million gallons per day (MGD) desalination facility, an [[Seaside_Basin_Aquifer_Storage_and_Recovery_%28ASR%29|aquifer storage and recovery system]] (ASR), and a brine discharge system <ref name="Project Overview"> http://www.watersupplyproject.org/Websites/coastalwater/files/Content/3861496/RFQ-WSP-Desal-Infrastructure-CAW-FINAL-4-1-13.pdf</ref>.  Additionally the [[Monterey Regional Water Pollution Control Agency]] (MRWPCA) proposed the 3,500 acre foot per year [[Monterey Peninsula Groundwater Replenishment Project]] (MPGRP), which would reduce the desalination plant's water output from 9.6 MGD to 6.4 MGD<ref name="Project Overview"> http://www.watersupplyproject.org/Websites/coastalwater/files/Content/3861496/RFQ-WSP-Desal-Infrastructure-CAW-FINAL-4-1-13.pdf</ref>.
+
The Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project (MPWSP) is a planned [[California American Water Company (CalAm)]] project designed to meet water consumption needs of the [[Monterey Peninsula]]. The original project design consisted of a 9.6 million gallon per day (mgd) [[desalination]] plant, [[Slant wells|slant intake wells]], pipelines for brackish water and brine disposal, production water delivery pipes, and improvements to the existing [[Seaside Groundwater Basin]] Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) system <ref name="CPUC MPWSP">[http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/Environment/info/esa/mpwsp/PD.html State of California Public Utilities Commission]</ref>. The final Environmental Impact Review <ref name="Final EIR"/> forthe MPWSP was submitted for public review on March 23, 2018.
 +
 
 +
In 2009, a [[CalAm Use of Carmel River Groundwater Basin|cease and desist order]] from [[State Water Resources Control Board]] (SWRCB) was enacted to prevent the Peninsula's water purveyor, [[California American Water Company (CalAm)]], from illegally diverting water from the [[Carmel River]] by December 31, 2016<ref name="MPWSP Background"> [http://www.ora.ca.gov/general.aspx?id=1875 Office of Ratepayer Advocates: Background - Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project]</ref>.  The order requires a 70% reduction in water pumped from the [[Carmel River]] by the end of 2016<ref name="Homepage"> [http://www.watersupplyproject.org/ MPWSP, Home Page]</ref>.  Due to this order, an alternative water source became necessary to fulfill the demand of the 40,000 customers in CalAm's Monterey District service area<ref name="CPUC MPWSP"/>. In 2012, CalAm proposed the [http://www.ceqanet.ca.gov/ProjDocList.asp?ProjectPK=576232 MPWSP] to fill the growing need for water following the failure of the [[Regional Water Project]] (RWP). Additionally, the [[Monterey Regional Water Pollution Control Agency]] (MRWPCA) proposed the 3,500 acre foot per year [[Monterey Peninsula Groundwater Replenishment Project]] (MPGRP), which would reduce the desalination plant's water output from 9.6 mgd to 6.4 mgd <ref name="Project Overview"> California American Water. 2013. Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project: Desalination Infrastructure-Request for Qualifications. [www.mprwa.org/wp.../03/RFQ-WSP-Desal-Infrastructure-CAW-FINAL-4-1-13.doc]</ref>. Despite setbacks the MPWSP continues to move forward, laying the foundation required to began construction.
  
 
==Costs==
 
==Costs==
−
The MPWSP has an estimated cost of $277 million<ref name="Project Overview"> http://www.watersupplyproject.org/overview</ref>. These costs will be allocated to following portions of the project:  
+
The MPWSP has an estimated cost of $322 million<ref name="Water Supply Project"> https://www.watersupplyproject.org/about</ref>. Estimated cost is based on a 6.4 mgd desalination facility including cost associated pre-construction.
 +
These costs will be allocated to following portions of the project:  
  
  
Line 10: Line 14:
 
! scope="col"|Aspect of MPWP
 
! scope="col"|Aspect of MPWP
 
! scope="col"|Estimated Cost  
 
! scope="col"|Estimated Cost  
 +
! scope="col"|Spent to Date
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Surface Intake Systems and Supply Return Facilities||$51M 
+
|Surface Intake Systems and Supply Return Facilities||$79M||27%
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Desalination Plant||$95M
+
|Desalination Plant||$115M||18%
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Pipeline Facilities||$131M
+
|Pipeline Facilities||$128M||37%
 
|-
 
|-
 +
|Pre-Construction Cost||$8M||100%
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==Rate Changes==
 
==Rate Changes==
−
With the installation of the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project, typical rate payers in the Monterey area can expect a 41% bill increase by 2018 <ref name="Rates"> [http://www.amwater.com/caaw/Customer-Service/Rates-Information/monterey-water-supply-project.html CalAm, MPWSP Effects on Rate - Estimates] </ref>. The average citizen in the Monterey area uses approximately 74 units (10 cubic feet per unit) per month.  These citizens' monthly bill is expected to raise from $75 to an estimated $104 by 2018.  Citizens will be affected differently based on the levels of their water consumption<ref name="Rates" />.
+
Monterey Peninsula rate payers can expect significant bill increases with the progression and completion of the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project, including an annual, increasing surcharge <ref name="CalAm Cost"> California American Water. 2012. Cost workshops on Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project.[https://www.watersupplyproject.org/reports-presentations ]</ref>. Additionally, Peninsula water customers will experience bill increases between 58.5% and 79% in March 2017 to make up for CalAm's lost revenue from drought conservation efforts <ref name="Johnson 2016"> Johnson J. 2017. Cal Am water bills to rise as much as 79% in March; more increases pending. Monterey Herald.[http://www.montereyherald.com/article/NF/20170121/NEWS/170129969 ] </ref>.
 +
 
 +
These impending rate increases have caused the formation of several groups who want to buy out, or privatize, the region's water company. Privatization, groups like Public Water Now argue, would reduce costs to customers by cutting out CalAm's profit gains <ref> [http://www.publicwaternow.org/ Public Water Now]</ref>.
  
 
==Current Status==
 
==Current Status==
  
−
[[File:MPWSP_ProjectMap.jpg|thumb|alt=Alt text|upright=1.5|'''Figure 1'''. MPWSP project area and preliminary facilities map<ref name="Project CEQA" />.]]
+
[[File:MPWSP_ProjectMap.jpg|thumb|alt=Alt text|upright=1.5|'''Figure 1'''. MPWSP project area and preliminary facilities map<ref name="CPUC MPWSP"/>.]]
 +
 
 +
CalAm purchased a 46 acre property northwest of the MRWPCA's wastewater treatment plant for the location of the desalination plant<ref name="Project Overview" />, and is testing nine novel, subsurface slant intake wells at the CEMEX active mining area north of Marina <ref name="CPUC MPWSP"/>.  
 +
 
 +
In December 2014, CalAm began work on a test slant intake well located at the [[Sand Mining in California's Central Coast Region|CEMEX sand mining facility]] in North [[Marina]]<ref name="Test Slant Well"> [http://www.mpwmd.net/GovernanceCommittee/StaffNotes/2014/20140331/Items-1-and-3.pdf Cook I. 2014. Monterey Peninsulat Water Supply Project: Presentation to MPWSP Governance Committee. California American Water.]</ref>. After several setbacks, CalAm received a permit from the California Coastal Commission to operate the test slant wells until February 2018. Slant wells are being tested as an alternative to vertical wells to reduce their amount of marine organism impingement and other environmental effects. Slant wells are a new technology, and are therefore controversial. As a test technology, they did not require a CEQA review, and if they are approved following testing will remain permanently in place. The subsurface wells intake from groundwater aquifers that have been intruded with saltwater, drawing in brackish water <ref name="CPUC MPWSP"/>. 
  
−
CalAm purchased a 46 acre property northwest of the MRWPCA's wastewater treatment plant, which is the proposed location of the desalination plant<ref name="Project Overview" />. Additionally, CalAm is in the process of securing permanent easements on a 376 acre property west of the proposed desalination facility, in hopes of using it for slant intake wells<ref name="Project Overview" />.  
+
Construction has begun on the the 7-mile water delivery pipeline running from Seaside to Pacific Grove. This pipeline will deliver water from the Seaside basin to the Peninsula, as part of the overall water supply plan <ref>Johnson J. 2016. Celebrating water milestones: CalAm pipeline groundbreaking, recycled water purchase agreement signing. http://www.montereyherald.com/environment-and-nature/20161017/celebrating-water-milestones-cal-am-pipeline-groundbreaking-recycled-water-purchase-agreement-signing </ref>.
  
−
In December 2014, CalAm began work on a test slant intake well located at the [[Sand Mining in California's Central Coast Region|CEMEX sand mining facility]] in North [[Marina]]<ref name="Test Slant Well"> [http://www.desalination.com/wdr/51/2-7 In brief: Test slant well intake for Monterey Peninsula project now underway]</ref>. Due to the presence of the [[Special_Status_Animals_in_the_Central_Coast_Region|Western Snowy Plover]] breeding grounds (threatened under the [[Federal_Endangered_Species_Act|Endangered Species Act]]) near the test slant well, the location had to be returned to its original conditions by February 28, 2015<ref name="Plover Impact"> [http://www.watersupplyproject.org/Websites/coastalwater/images/SvindlandRebuttalPart2of3.pdf MPWSP Temporary Slant Test Well, Project Description]</ref>.   The February 28th slant well installation deadline was met, preventing drilling from being setback to October 1st<ref name="Plover Impact"> http://www.desalination.biz/news/print.asp?id=7762</ref>.  As of March 30, 2015 the test slant well was operational and capable of recording data for up to 2 years<ref name="KSBW"> [http://www.ksbw.com/news/Cal-Am-desalination-well-now-pumping-water/32092494 KSBW Article, Cal-Am desalination well now pumping water]</ref>.  The overall MPWSP is on track to be completed within the scheduled four years but it will not be completed by the December 31, 2016 deadline for Carmel River pumping reduction<ref name="Progress Bulletin 2014"> [http://www.watersupplyproject.org/Websites/coastalwater/files/Content/3872911/CA-Mtry_2014MPWSP-NewsletterQ4_FINAL2.pdf MPWSP: Progress Report, January 2015]</ref>.  
+
On November 20, 2015, CalAm filed for a petition to modify the cease and desist order and allow more time to find alternative water sources<ref ="January 2016 MPWSP Progress Report"> California American Water. 2016. Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project: Progress Report. [http://media.wix.com/ugd/28b094_45d74c4c01b74418b552920517aab97a.pdf]</ref>. This would extend the deadline to December 31, 2020 and set reductions to the amount of water CalAm could pump from the Carmel River. In December 2015, the test slant wells reached 92% salinity, an increase from 75% when it was first installed <ref name = "January 2016 MPWSP Progress Report" > </ref> .
  
−
On November 20, 2015, CalAm filed for a petition to modify the cease and desist order and allow more time to find alternative water sources<ref ="January 2016 MPWSP Progress Report"> [http://media.wix.com/ugd/28b094_45d74c4c01b74418b552920517aab97a.pdf]</ref>. This would extend the deadline to December 31, 2020 and set reductions to the amount of water CalAm could pump from the Carmel River. In December 2015, the test slant wells reached 92% salinity, an increase from 75% when it was first installed <ref name = "January 2016 MPWSP Progress Report" > </ref> .
+
The DEIR closed for public comment on March 29, 2017. The final EIR is scheduled to be released in September 2017 followed by possible approval by the CCC. The Monterey pipeline and ASR pump station is projected to be completed by December 2017, and the desalination plant is has a projected start time of 2020 <ref> California American Water. 2015. MPWSP Anticipated Schedule. https://www.watersupplyproject.org/schedule </ref>.
  
 
==Timeline==
 
==Timeline==
Line 40: Line 52:
 
** CalAm filed an application with the California Public Utilities Commission leading to the creation of the MPWP
 
** CalAm filed an application with the California Public Utilities Commission leading to the creation of the MPWP
 
*'''October 10, 2012
 
*'''October 10, 2012
−
**Notice of Preparition of the project's [[Environmental Impact Report (EIR)|EIR]] was released<ref name="Project CEQA"> http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/Environment/info/esa/mpwsp/index.html</ref>  
+
**Notice of Preparition of the project's [[Environmental Impact Report (EIR)|EIR]] was released<ref name="CPUC MPWSP"/>
 
*'''September 2014'''
 
*'''September 2014'''
 
**CalAm awarded $1 million grant by [[California Department of Water Resources]] for a test slant well<ref name="Slant Well Grant"> [http://www.calwaterassn.com/california-american-water-awarded-1-million-grant-for-desalination-slant-test-well/ California Water Association, CalAm Awarded $1 Million Grant for Desalination Slant Test Well]</ref>
 
**CalAm awarded $1 million grant by [[California Department of Water Resources]] for a test slant well<ref name="Slant Well Grant"> [http://www.calwaterassn.com/california-american-water-awarded-1-million-grant-for-desalination-slant-test-well/ California Water Association, CalAm Awarded $1 Million Grant for Desalination Slant Test Well]</ref>
Line 46: Line 58:
 
**Drilling of a test slant intake well began at the CEMEX sand mining facility in Marina  
 
**Drilling of a test slant intake well began at the CEMEX sand mining facility in Marina  
 
*'''January 30, 2015'''
 
*'''January 30, 2015'''
−
**Reached the final depth of the slant well, testing its feasibility for the MPWSP water source<ref name="Test Well"> [http://www.montereyherald.com/opinion/20150227/ian-crooks-cal-am-test-slant-well-to-deliver-key-data Monterey Herald Article: Cal Am test slant well to deliver key data]</ref>
+
**Reached the final depth of the slant well, testing its feasibility for the MPWSP water source<ref name="Test Well"> Crooks I. 2015. Ian Crooks: Cal Am test slant well to deliver key data. Monterey Herald.[http://www.montereyherald.com/opinion/20150227/ian-crooks-cal-am-test-slant-well-to-deliver-key-data Monterey Herald Article: Cal Am test slant well to deliver key data]</ref>
 
*'''March 30, 2015'''  
 
*'''March 30, 2015'''  
−
**Completed test slant well successfully and began pumping and returning water to the ocean<ref name="KSBW"> http://www.ksbw.com/news/Cal-Am-desalination-well-now-pumping-water/32092494</ref>.  Data on this pumping event has been published <ref name="Test Well Data"> [http://www.watersupplyproject.org/test-slant-well-data-published MPWSP, Test Slant Well Data Published]</ref>
+
**Completed test slant well successfully and began pumping and returning water to the ocean<ref name="KSBW"> Conrad C. 2015. Cal-Am desalination well now pumping water. KSBW8. [http://www.ksbw.com/news/Cal-Am-desalination-well-now-pumping-water/32092494]</ref>.   
−
*'''April 2015'''
+
−
**Draft of the EIR is scheduled for release<ref name="Project CEQA"> http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/Environment/info/esa/mpwsp/index.html</ref>
+
 
*'''December 2015'''
 
*'''December 2015'''
 
**Contractors selected for source wells and pipelines <ref name= "MPWSP Project Description" > http://www.watersupplyproject.org/#!about/cee5 </ref>
 
**Contractors selected for source wells and pipelines <ref name= "MPWSP Project Description" > http://www.watersupplyproject.org/#!about/cee5 </ref>
−
*'''2017 - 2018'''
+
*'''September 2016'''
−
**Construction of source wells, major pipelines and desalination plant begins <ref name= "MPWSP Project Description" > http://www.watersupplyproject.org/#!about/cee5 </ref>
+
**California Public Utilities Commission approves pipeline component
−
*'''January 2019'''
+
*'''December 2016'''
−
**Desalination plant operations will begin, assuming no setbacks <ref name= "MPWSP Project Description" > http://www.watersupplyproject.org/#!about/cee5 </ref>
+
**EIR Draft Completion
 +
**SWRCB CDO milestone
 +
*'''January 2017'''
 +
**Draft EIR/EIS dispersed for public comment; pipeline installation begins <ref name="MPWMD Project Description" > Monterey Peninsula Water Management District. 2016. Water supply for the Monterey Peninsula: Update on Development of Water Supply Projects.[http://www.mpwmd.net/wp-content/uploads/Item-9-Presentation-1.pdf]</ref>
 +
*'''March 2017'''
 +
**End of EIR draft public review
 +
*'''September 2017'''
 +
**Approval to start construction on the Monterey pipeline
 +
*'''November 2017'''
 +
** EIR Draft Approval
 +
*'''First Quarter 2018
 +
**Estimation of CPUC's final decision
 +
*'''Jan-March 2018'''
 +
**Coastal Commission final decision <ref name="Water Supply Project"/>
 +
*'''March 23, 2018'''
 +
**Final EIR was released <ref name="Final EIR">
 +
[https://www.watersupplyproject.org/eir Environmental Impact Review],</ref>
 +
*'''March-August 2018'''
 +
**Construction of desalination plant and related facilities begins <ref name="Water Supply Project"/>
 +
*'''June 2018'''
 +
**End of Final EIR Public Review
 +
*'''September 2018'''
 +
**Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) approval of MPWSP
 +
*'''February 2019'''
 +
**City of Marina rejects [[California American Water Company|Cal Am]] application for building coastal pumps. [[California American Water Company|Cal Am]] appeals to the California Coastal Commission.
 +
*'''August 2019'''
 +
** Marina Coast Water District sues [[California American Water Company (CalAm)]] to prevent construction <ref name="MCWD Sues Cal Am"> Marina Coast Sues Montery County, Cal Am over Desalination Project. August 2019.
 +
[https://www.montereyherald.com/2019/08/19/marina-coast-sues-monterey-county-cal-am-over-desal-plant-approval/],</ref>
 +
*'''September 2019'''
 +
** Construction of the desalination plant does not begin as previously planned
 +
*'''October 2019'''
 +
**[[California Coastal Commission]] releases multiple reports recommending denial of coastal development permits (CDP) for MPWSP. The report cites environmentally sensitive habitat areas and coastal water quality hazards <ref name="CCC Denies CDP"> California Coastal Commission Denies CDP Permit to Cal Am. October 2019. [https://cityofmarina.org/935/Cal-Am-Desalination-Project],</ref>
 +
*'''November 2019'''
 +
** [[California Coastal Commission]] Judge freezes construction until March 2020, citing recent [[California Coastal Commission| commission]] reports. <ref name="CCC Delays Construction Decision"> California Coastal Commission delays Decision over Desalination Plant Construction Date. November 2019. [https://www.montereycountyweekly.com/blogs/news_blog/judge-freezes-construction-on-desal-plant-until-after-march-coastal/article_eeee145a-0b3a-11ea-8db1-0faffec5719c.html],</ref>
 +
*'''February 2020'''
 +
** [[California American Water Company|Cal Am]] granted 90-day extension for [[California Coastal Commission]] decision on on CDP. Scope or schedule of additional [[California Coastal Commission|commission]] analysis to be determined, and next meeting is not until June. <ref name= "Cal Am gets Permit Deadline Extension"> Cal Am gets Coastal Commission desal project extension. February 2020. [https://www.montereyherald.com/2020/02/12/cal-am-gets-coastal-commission-desal-project-extension/],</ref>
 +
*'''March 2020'''
 +
** [[California Coastal Commission]] does not decide on granting the coastal development permit <ref name= "California Coastal Commission Meeting Notes March 11"> California Coastal Commission does not decide on Coastal Development Permit. March 2020. [https://www.coastal.ca.gov/meetings/agenda/#/2020/3],</ref>
  
 
==Links==
 
==Links==

Latest revision as of 15:18, 27 March 2020

A watershed-related topic examined by the ENVS 560/L Watershed Systems class at CSUMB.

Project Summary

The Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project (MPWSP) is a planned California American Water Company (CalAm) project designed to meet water consumption needs of the Monterey Peninsula. The original project design consisted of a 9.6 million gallon per day (mgd) desalination plant, slant intake wells, pipelines for brackish water and brine disposal, production water delivery pipes, and improvements to the existing Seaside Groundwater Basin Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) system [1]. The final Environmental Impact Review [2] forthe MPWSP was submitted for public review on March 23, 2018.

In 2009, a cease and desist order from State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) was enacted to prevent the Peninsula's water purveyor, California American Water Company (CalAm), from illegally diverting water from the Carmel River by December 31, 2016[3]. The order requires a 70% reduction in water pumped from the Carmel River by the end of 2016[4]. Due to this order, an alternative water source became necessary to fulfill the demand of the 40,000 customers in CalAm's Monterey District service area[1]. In 2012, CalAm proposed the MPWSP to fill the growing need for water following the failure of the Regional Water Project (RWP). Additionally, the Monterey Regional Water Pollution Control Agency (MRWPCA) proposed the 3,500 acre foot per year Monterey Peninsula Groundwater Replenishment Project (MPGRP), which would reduce the desalination plant's water output from 9.6 mgd to 6.4 mgd [5]. Despite setbacks the MPWSP continues to move forward, laying the foundation required to began construction.

Costs

The MPWSP has an estimated cost of $322 million[6]. Estimated cost is based on a 6.4 mgd desalination facility including cost associated pre-construction. These costs will be allocated to following portions of the project:


Aspect of MPWP Estimated Cost Spent to Date
Surface Intake Systems and Supply Return Facilities $79M 27%
Desalination Plant $115M 18%
Pipeline Facilities $128M 37%
Pre-Construction Cost $8M 100%

Rate Changes

Monterey Peninsula rate payers can expect significant bill increases with the progression and completion of the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project, including an annual, increasing surcharge [7]. Additionally, Peninsula water customers will experience bill increases between 58.5% and 79% in March 2017 to make up for CalAm's lost revenue from drought conservation efforts [8].

These impending rate increases have caused the formation of several groups who want to buy out, or privatize, the region's water company. Privatization, groups like Public Water Now argue, would reduce costs to customers by cutting out CalAm's profit gains [9].

Current Status

Alt text
Figure 1. MPWSP project area and preliminary facilities map[1].

CalAm purchased a 46 acre property northwest of the MRWPCA's wastewater treatment plant for the location of the desalination plant[5], and is testing nine novel, subsurface slant intake wells at the CEMEX active mining area north of Marina [1].

In December 2014, CalAm began work on a test slant intake well located at the CEMEX sand mining facility in North Marina[10]. After several setbacks, CalAm received a permit from the California Coastal Commission to operate the test slant wells until February 2018. Slant wells are being tested as an alternative to vertical wells to reduce their amount of marine organism impingement and other environmental effects. Slant wells are a new technology, and are therefore controversial. As a test technology, they did not require a CEQA review, and if they are approved following testing will remain permanently in place. The subsurface wells intake from groundwater aquifers that have been intruded with saltwater, drawing in brackish water [1].

Construction has begun on the the 7-mile water delivery pipeline running from Seaside to Pacific Grove. This pipeline will deliver water from the Seaside basin to the Peninsula, as part of the overall water supply plan [11].

On November 20, 2015, CalAm filed for a petition to modify the cease and desist order and allow more time to find alternative water sources[12]. This would extend the deadline to December 31, 2020 and set reductions to the amount of water CalAm could pump from the Carmel River. In December 2015, the test slant wells reached 92% salinity, an increase from 75% when it was first installed [13] .

The DEIR closed for public comment on March 29, 2017. The final EIR is scheduled to be released in September 2017 followed by possible approval by the CCC. The Monterey pipeline and ASR pump station is projected to be completed by December 2017, and the desalination plant is has a projected start time of 2020 [14].

Timeline

  • October 20 2009
    • Cease and desist order from SWRCB enacted which prevents CalAm from illegally diverting water and requires a 70% reduction in water taken from the Carmel River by December 31, 2016[3]
  • April 12, 2011
    • Investigation begins into the RWP, ultimately leading to a project shut-down
  • April 23, 2012
    • CalAm filed an application with the California Public Utilities Commission leading to the creation of the MPWP
  • October 10, 2012
    • Notice of Preparition of the project's EIR was released[1]
  • September 2014
  • December 2014
    • Drilling of a test slant intake well began at the CEMEX sand mining facility in Marina
  • January 30, 2015
    • Reached the final depth of the slant well, testing its feasibility for the MPWSP water source[16]
  • March 30, 2015
    • Completed test slant well successfully and began pumping and returning water to the ocean[17].
  • December 2015
    • Contractors selected for source wells and pipelines [18]
  • September 2016
    • California Public Utilities Commission approves pipeline component
  • December 2016
    • EIR Draft Completion
    • SWRCB CDO milestone
  • January 2017
    • Draft EIR/EIS dispersed for public comment; pipeline installation begins [19]
  • March 2017
    • End of EIR draft public review
  • September 2017
    • Approval to start construction on the Monterey pipeline
  • November 2017
    • EIR Draft Approval
  • First Quarter 2018
    • Estimation of CPUC's final decision
  • Jan-March 2018
    • Coastal Commission final decision [6]
  • March 23, 2018
    • Final EIR was released [2]
  • March-August 2018
    • Construction of desalination plant and related facilities begins [6]
  • June 2018
    • End of Final EIR Public Review
  • September 2018
    • Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) approval of MPWSP
  • February 2019
    • City of Marina rejects Cal Am application for building coastal pumps. Cal Am appeals to the California Coastal Commission.
  • August 2019
  • September 2019
    • Construction of the desalination plant does not begin as previously planned
  • October 2019
    • California Coastal Commission releases multiple reports recommending denial of coastal development permits (CDP) for MPWSP. The report cites environmentally sensitive habitat areas and coastal water quality hazards [21]
  • November 2019
  • February 2020
  • March 2020

Links

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 State of California Public Utilities Commission
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Environmental Impact Review,
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Office of Ratepayer Advocates: Background - Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project
  4. ↑ MPWSP, Home Page
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 California American Water. 2013. Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project: Desalination Infrastructure-Request for Qualifications. [www.mprwa.org/wp.../03/RFQ-WSP-Desal-Infrastructure-CAW-FINAL-4-1-13.doc]
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 https://www.watersupplyproject.org/about
  7. ↑ California American Water. 2012. Cost workshops on Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project.[1]
  8. ↑ Johnson J. 2017. Cal Am water bills to rise as much as 79% in March; more increases pending. Monterey Herald.[2]
  9. ↑ Public Water Now
  10. ↑ Cook I. 2014. Monterey Peninsulat Water Supply Project: Presentation to MPWSP Governance Committee. California American Water.
  11. ↑ Johnson J. 2016. Celebrating water milestones: CalAm pipeline groundbreaking, recycled water purchase agreement signing. http://www.montereyherald.com/environment-and-nature/20161017/celebrating-water-milestones-cal-am-pipeline-groundbreaking-recycled-water-purchase-agreement-signing
  12. ↑ California American Water. 2016. Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project: Progress Report. [3]
  13. ↑
  14. ↑ California American Water. 2015. MPWSP Anticipated Schedule. https://www.watersupplyproject.org/schedule
  15. ↑ California Water Association, CalAm Awarded $1 Million Grant for Desalination Slant Test Well
  16. ↑ Crooks I. 2015. Ian Crooks: Cal Am test slant well to deliver key data. Monterey Herald.Monterey Herald Article: Cal Am test slant well to deliver key data
  17. ↑ Conrad C. 2015. Cal-Am desalination well now pumping water. KSBW8. [4]
  18. ↑ http://www.watersupplyproject.org/#!about/cee5
  19. ↑ Monterey Peninsula Water Management District. 2016. Water supply for the Monterey Peninsula: Update on Development of Water Supply Projects.[5]
  20. ↑ Marina Coast Sues Montery County, Cal Am over Desalination Project. August 2019. [6],
  21. ↑ California Coastal Commission Denies CDP Permit to Cal Am. October 2019. [7],
  22. ↑ California Coastal Commission delays Decision over Desalination Plant Construction Date. November 2019. [8],
  23. ↑ Cal Am gets Coastal Commission desal project extension. February 2020. [9],
  24. ↑ California Coastal Commission does not decide on Coastal Development Permit. March 2020. [10],

Disclaimer

This page may contain student work completed as part of assigned coursework. It may not be accurate. It does not necessary reflect the opinion or policy of CSUMB, its staff, or students.

Retrieved from "http://ccows.csumb.edu/wiki/index.php?title=Monterey_Peninsula_Water_Supply_Project_(MPWSP)&oldid=24265"