Tuesday, January 29, 2013

WATEREUSE ASSOCIATION: About Desalination

ABSTRACT: WateReuse Association is "a nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance the beneficial and efficient uses of high-quality, locally produced, sustainable water sources for the betterment of society and the environment through advocacy, education and outreach, research, and membership." Links to About Desalination, Technical Resources, et cetera, are provided.

About Desalination

Desalination Committee White Papers
Desalination Plant Intakes—Impingement and Entrainment Impacts and Solutions
Overview of Desalination Plant Intake Alternatives
Seawater Concentrate Management
Seawater Desalination Costs
Seawater Desalination Power Consumption

Desalination Projects
Carlsbad Desalination Project (CA)
Long Beach Seawater Desalination Center (CA)
El Paso/Ft. Bliss Inland Desalination Plant (TX)
Rio Grande Regional Seawater Desalination Project (TX)
Tampa Bay Seawater Desalination Plant (FL)

Resources
California Department of Water Resources
California Recycled Water Survey
California Water Recycling Regulations
Recycled Water Regulations and Guidance
California Desalination Planning Handbook
California Desalination Laws
WRD's Technical Bulletin on Salt/Nutrient Management Plan For the Central & West Coast Groundwater Basins

American Water Works Company, Inc.: California American Water Company, A Subsidiary

ABSTRACT: American Water Works Company, Inc., founded in 1886, is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs approximately 7,000 professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15 million people in more than 30 states, as well as parts of Canada. American Water has 15 states subsidiaries, including California American Water CompanyWHITE PAPER AMERICAN WATER: Innovations Solutions Within TheWater Industry: Desalination is featured, with BACKGROUND, EXPLAINING DESALINATION, UNDERSTANDING THE CHALLENGES, FINDING SOLUTIONS and CONCLUSION sections. CONCLUSION “All solutions have their critics, and desalination is no exception. With the nation's first large-scale seawater desalination plant fully operating in Tampa and plants being planned for San Antonio and Laredo in Texas, as well as Carlsbad and Monterey in California, desal will very soon become a mainstay of the U.S. water industry. As has been demonstrated, there is a pressing need in this country to find ways to both increase sustainable capacity and conserve water. Desalination technologies can provide a water supply solution that can best serve local and regional needs. Therefore, it is essential that more people understand and focus on the benefits of desalination.”
Note: The company was a subsidiary of the German-based RWE Group from 2001 to 2008; the company was divested in 2008 in an IPO on the NYSE. 

Remediation
TAMPA BAY SEAWATER DESALINATION PLANT 

GIBSONTON, FLORIDA
(Serving the Tampa Bay area)
Co-located with the Tampa Electric Company Big Bend Power Plant
Project: Tampa Bay Seawater Desalination Plant
Key Attributes: The 25-million-gallon-per day facility removes the salt from seawater by reverse osmosis to create drinking water. It is the largest desalination plant in North America.

FACT SHEET 
TAMPA BAY SEAWATER DESALINATION PLANT

Tampa Bay Seawater Desalination Plant

NEWS ARTICLES:
Tampa Bay Seawater Desalination Plant, United States of America 

Largest US Desalination Plant Meets Targets 
25 February 2010

11 January 2011

2008 NCPPP Service Award Winner

MONTEREY PENINSULA REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITY (MPRWA) SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA & MINUTES January 31, 2013


AGENDA PACKET, SPECIAL MEETING
MONTEREY PENINSULA REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITY (MPRWA)
January 31, 2013

TAC Matrix 
Desal Project Matrix – TAC Version
January 24, 2013
Desal Project Matrix – SPI Version
January 24, 2013
Evaluation of Seawater Desalination Projects FINAL REPORT Update
Separation Processes, Inc. (SPI)
January 2013
Evaluation of Seawater Desalination Projects FINAL REPORT
Separation Processes, Inc. (SPI)
December 2012


MONTEREY PENINSULA REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITY MPRWA)
DRAFT MINUTES, SPECIAL MEETING
January 31, 2013

Sunday, January 27, 2013

WATERPLUS ‘THE ONLY LOCAL ORGANIZATION LOOKING OUT FOR YOUR, THE RATEPAYER: WATER NEWS ‘News You Need to Know – NOW’

ABSTRACT: Links to noteworthy WATER NEWS News You Need to Know – NOW issues (January 2013, December 2012 and November 2012) by Ron Weitzman, President, WaterPlus, are provided with Excerpt Highlights for each issue.  Note:  WATER NEWS appear in print editions of Monterey Bay News & Views NEWS & OPINION FROM AROUND THE BAY.

WATER NEWS 
News You Need to Know - NOW 
By Ron Weitzman, President, WaterPlus

Excerpt Highlights:
Why is public ownership of our local water supply better than ownership by Cal Am? 
Answer: Briefly, cost and control. 
Why is a large desalination plant better than a small one? 
Answer: Briefly, adequacy and cost of supply. 
Why is a water supply obtained by desalination better than one obtained by treating sewer water? 
Answer: Briefly, cost and reliability of supply. 
Why then do local elected officials prefer the Cal Am project to publicly owned alternatives? 
Answer: Briefly, irresponsibility… with the exception of a majority of Pacific Grove City Council members, no publicly elected official wants to take the responsibility of building, owning, and operating a water supply project.

WATER NEWS 
News You Need to Know - NOW 
By Ron Weitzman, President, WaterPlus

Excerpt Highlights:
Water Plus strongly supports the following:
Public ownership of our water supply, particularly desalination
A new water supply of 10,000 or more acre-feet per year
Water from sources other than desalination only as a surplus to the amount needed
A desalination plant sited outside the Salinas Valley Groundwater Basin
A desalination plant sited at Moss Landing
Competition among all proposed desalination projects at shareholder or investor risk


WATER NEWS
News You Need to Know - NOW 
By Ron Weitzman, President, WaterPlus

Excerpt Highlights:
The answer, in the simplest of terms, is continuation of the status quo on our limited water supply in order to control growth—regardless of the cost.
...we have chosen to have an unreliable supply of water in our future. The reason: the two non-desalination legs of the three-legged stool depend on moderate or heavy winter rain, and the frequency of dry winters is likely to increase as global warming progresses. And that means that we can expect rationing as a way of life exacerbating the inconvenience that we are currently experiencing.

WATER NEWS
News You Need to Know - NOW 
The Difference between OR and AND 
The PUC Claims to Preempt the County Ordinance Prohibiting Cal Am from Owning a Desal Plant in the County 
By Ron Weitzman, President, WaterPlus

Excerpt Highlights:
Cal Am’s Current Water Proposal Needs a Whole New EIR
  1. New to this project is the extensive involvement of the Seaside groundwater basin in both aquifer storage and recovery and groundwater replenishment.
  2. Although cost and financing are not topics of direct concern to an EIR, they certainly will be topics of at least indirect concern in the case of the current project.
  3. For the project to proceed as proposed, the CPUC must make a certification of public convenience and necessity to preempt the Monterey County Ordinance 10.72 prohibiting a private company from owning and operating a desalination plant in the county.  That certification depends on the non-existence of any feasible alternative project.
The Difference between OR and AND
Both the mayors and the district agree on the need for a desalination component of the new project, but while the water management district considers the second component to be either additional desalinated water OR treated sewer water (which it prefers), the mayors consider the second component to be additional desalinated water AND treated sewer water.  

The PUC Claims to Preempt the County Ordinance Prohibiting Cal Am from Owning a Desal Plant in the County
Despite objections from Water Plus and others, the Public Utilities Commission at the end of October adopted an administrative law judge’s proposed decision that authorizes the commission to preempt the Monterey County ordinance that prohibits a private company like Cal from owning and operating a desalination plant in the county.  

Saturday, January 19, 2013

MONTEREY PENINSULA REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITY (MPRWA) REGULAR MEETING AGENDA & MINUTES January 24, 2013

RELATED NEWS ARTICLE: Peninsula mayors' committee set to review desal evaluations
Three projects vie for approval
By JIM JOHNSON Herald Staff Writer, 01/23/2013
Selected Excerpts Highlights:
“The authority, which meets at Monterey City Hall at 7 p.m., will consider project evaluation matrix submissions from its own technical advisory committee and its consultant, Separation Processes Inc. Evaluations are designed to compare virtually every aspect of three projects — California American Water's north Marina desal plant, and Moss Landing desal proposals from DeepWater Desal and the Regional Desalination Project.” 
“…the authority is expected to approve a contract for executive director services with the city of Monterey, whose city manager, Fred Meurer, has chosen former city administrator Bill Reichmuth for the job. Reichmuth, a former deputy city manager and public works director, briefly served on the authority's technical advisory committee last year before taking an extended leave of absence and returning to the committee several weeks ago.”
AGENDA PACKET, REGULAR MEETING
MONTEREY PENINSULA REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITY (MPRWA)
January 24, 2013
Includes AGENDA ITEM
2. Approve Contract for Executive Director Services with the City of Monterey
(Discussion/Action)


   TAC Matrix by  
Desal Project Matrix – TAC Version
January 24, 2013

   SPI Matrix by  
Desal Project Matrix – SPI Version
January 24, 2013


MONTEREY PENINSULA REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITY MPRWA)
DRAFT MINUTES, REGULAR MEETING
January 24, 2013

TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC) OF THE MONTEREY PENINSULA REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITY (MPRWA) SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA & MINUTES January 24, 2013

TAC 01-24-13 
AGENDA PACKET, SPECIAL MEETING
TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC)
MONTEREY PENINSULA REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITY (MPRWA)
January 24, 2013
Includes AGENDA ITEM
1. Discuss Project Decision Matrix and Provide Recommendation to Authority


DRAFT MINUTES
TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC)
MONTEREY PENINSULA REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITY (MPRWA)
January 24, 2013

State Water Resources Control Board Stakeholder Meeting 30 January 2013: AMENDMENTS TO THE WATER QUALITY CONTROL PLANS FOR OCEAN WATERS AND ENCLOSED BAYS AND ESTUARIES TO ADDRESS DESALINATION FACILITIES AND BRINE DISPOSAL

ABSTRACT: State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) staff will be holding a stakeholder meeting regarding the proposed Desalination amendments to the Water Quality Control Plan for Ocean Waters of California (Ocean Plan) and the Water Quality Control Plan for Enclosed Bays and Estuaries of California (Enclosed Bays and Estuaries Plan) on Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at 9:30 A.M., Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, 8272 Moss Landing Road, Moss Landing, CA. The STAKEHOLDER MEETING message is reproduced and the DRAFT AGENDA is embedded.


STAKEHOLDER MEETING


AMENDMENTS TO THE WATER QUALITY CONTROL PLANS FOR OCEAN WATERS AND ENCLOSED BAYS AND ESTUARIES TO ADDRESS DESALINATION FACILITIES AND BRINE DISPOSAL


Moss Landing Marine Laboratories
8272 Moss Landing Rd
Moss Landing, CA 95039

January 30, 2013
9:30 AM

State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) staff will be holding a stakeholder meeting regarding the proposed Desalination amendments to the Water Quality Control Plan for Ocean Waters of California (Ocean Plan) and the Water Quality Control Plan for Enclosed Bays and Estuaries of California (Enclosed Bays and Estuaries Plan).  The meeting will be held at the location and time specified above. 

The State Water Board originally contracted with the Moss Landing Marine Laboratory to establish a seawater intake expert review panel (ERP). The ERP has provided scientific recommendations regarding minimizing and mitigating plankton entrainment impacts associated with desalination facilities.  Based on outcomes from the State Water Board’s August 22, 2012 Workshop, the ERP may reconvene. Consequently, at the January 30 Stakeholder Meeting the public will be provided with an update on the status of the amendment, and will have an opportunity to provide comments to State Water Board staff and to members of the ERP.

A quorum of State Water Board members may be present; however, no formal action will be taken by the State Water Board at this meeting. 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

State Water Board staff is developing an amendment to the Ocean Plan and the Enclosed Bays and Estuaries Plan to address issues associated with desalinization facilities and the disposal of brine discharges.  Desalination facilities and brine disposal was discussed as Issue No. 4 in the 2011-2013 Triennial Review Workplan for the Ocean Plan.  The issue has been identified as very high priority for the State Water Board to address, because several new desalination facilities have been planned along the California coast to augment existing potable water supplies.

During the process of ocean desalination, salt and minerals are removed from salt water to produce potable water.  The salt, minerals, and other compounds are discharged as hyper-saline brine.  Brine is denser than the receiving ocean water and, depending on discharge methods, may settle on the ocean bottom.  Accumulation of brine on the seafloor may have an adverse effect on marine organisms.

Other projects, such as brackish groundwater desalination and wastewater treatment/recycling, also generate brine wastes. Currently, the Water Boards regulate brine discharges through the issuance of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits that contain conditions protective of aquatic life.  However, the Ocean Plan does not yet have an objective for elevated salinity levels in the ocean, nor does it describe how brine discharges are to be regulated and controlled, leading to permitting uncertainty.  The Ocean Plan also does not address possible impacts to marine life from intakes for desalination facilities. The Enclosed bays and Estuaries Plan is completely silent on seawater intakes and brine disposal.

The planned amendment is currently envisioned to have the following components: 1) a “narrative” objective for salinity, 2) provisions to minimize impacts to marine life from desalination plant intakes, and 3) discharge implementation provisions.

Attached you will find a draft agenda.

If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Shuka Rastegarpour at (916) 341-5576 or srastegarpour@waterboards.ca.gov

Thank you.
DRAFT AGENDA
STATE WATER BOARD
STAKEHOLDER MEETING FOR
DESALINATION AMENDMENT
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
9:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Moss Landing Marine Laboratories
8272 Moss Landing Road
Moss Landing, CA 95039

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

MONTEREY CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM 15 January 2013: Amend Resolution 08-119 by Adding a Water Authority Director Position and Hourly Wage to the City of Monterey’s Part-Time Salary Schedule (Human Resources - 701-13)

ABSTRACT: On Tuesday, 15 January 2013, the Monterey City Council voted unanimously to Amend Resolution 08-119 by Adding a Water Authority Director Position and Hourly Wage to the City of Monterey’s Part-Time Salary Schedule (Human Resources - 701-13), as follows:
Action: Adopted Resolution
AYES: 5 COUNCILMEMBERS: Downey, Haffa, Selfridge, Sollecito, Della Sala
NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSTAIN: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: None
RECUSED: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: None
The Council Agenda Report RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council adopt a new resolution that amends resolution 08-119 by adding one Water Authority Director position and hourly wage to the City of Monterey’s Part-time Salary Schedule. Importantly, “The Water Authority Director will be a part-time City of Monterey employee, selected by and reporting to the City Manager. It is anticipated that the MPRWA will contract with the City of Monterey to provide the Executive Director services.” 
The Monterey City Council Agenda, Regular Meeting, Tuesday, January 15, 2013 and Council Agenda Report for Agenda Item 8 with Attachments: 1. Resolution and 2. Job Specification document is embedded.

City Council Agenda, Regular Meeting, Monterey City Council, Tuesday, January 15, 2013
8. Amend Resolution 08-119 by Adding a Water Authority Director Position and Hourly Wage to the City of Monterey’s Part-Time Salary Schedule (Human Resources - 701-13)
Council Agenda Report, Attachments: 1. Resolution and 2. Job Specification

RELATED NEWS ARTICLE: 
Monterey Peninsula water authority looks to hire director 
The Monterey County Herald, Herald Staff Report, 01/15/2013
Excerpt: "Della Sala said the water authority was weighing three finalists for the job and hoped to make a selection soon."

2013 City Adopted Goals with Actionable Key Initiatives & Key Initiatives in Next Twelve Months

ABSTRACT: The City’s adopted goals for 2013 focus on four objectives, namely Community Character, Long-term Vitality, Organizational Effectiveness and Fiscal Stability, with actionable key initiatives and Key Initiatives in next twelve months, are presented.  The Adopted 2013 goals document is embedded.
2013 City Adopted Goals

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Proceeding Number A.12-04-019 CALIFORNIA-AMERICAN WATER COMPANY MOTION FOR OFFICIAL NOTICE OF FACTS

ABSTRACT: Re: In the Matter of the Application of California American Water Company (U 210 W) for Approval of the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project and Authorization to Recover All Present and Future Costs in Rates, CALIFORNIA-AMERICAN WATER COMPANY MOTION FOR OFFICIAL NOTICE OF FACTS document is embedded. Importantly, “California-American Water Company (“California American Water”) respectfully requests that the Commission take official notice of the following actions taken in a matter adjudicated1 by the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco (“San Francisco Superior Court”): 1) the County of Monterey’s (“County”) Complaint for Declaratory Relief, dated June 26, 2012;2 2) the County’s Request for Dismissal with prejudice of entire action of all parties and all causes of action filed, dated December 11, 2012; and 3) a print out of the San Francisco Superior Court’s docket which shows that the matter was taken off the calendar on December 13, 2012.”

CALIFORNIA-AMERICAN WATER COMPANY MOTION FOR OFFICIAL NOTICE OF FACTS 01-15-13
Filing Date 01-15-13
CALIFORNIA-AMERICAN WATER COMPANY MOTION FOR OFFICIAL NOTICE OF FACTS

Monday, January 14, 2013

DRAFT 2013 WATER DESALINATION PROPOSAL SOLICITATION PACKAGE: California Department of Water Resources

UPDATE: This is a message from the State Water Resources Control Board on behalf of the Department of Water Resources.

Two public workshops have been scheduled (NOTE NEW TIME, DATE and LOCATION) to provide information about the California Department of Water Resources’ (DWR) Water Desalination Grant Program and the contents of the “Draft 2013 Water Desalination Proposal Solicitation Package” (PSP), including grant application requirements, criteria for review and project selection, and the online application submittal process. It is estimated that a final PSP will be posted early March 2013 after which DWR will begin accepting applications for funding desalination projects.

The draft PSP is available for public comment. Comments on the draft PSP can be submitted via email, mail, or courier until 5 PM on February 8, 2013, as well as during the two workshops.

Workshop times and locations:

DATE: Thursday, January 24, 2013
LOCATION: Inland Empire Utilities Agency
6075 Kimball Avenue
Chino, California 91708
TIME: 1 PM to no later than 3 PM
REMOTE ACCESS: None

NOTE CHANGE in DATE and LOCATION
DATE: Monday, January 28, 2013
LOCATION: Resources Building Auditorium
1416 9th Street, Sacramento CA 95814
TIME: 1 PM to no later than 3 PM
REMOTE ACCESS: Telephone or online access information is on the Web site


ABSTRACT: The DRAFT 2013 WATER DESALINATION PROPOSAL SOLICITATION PACKAGE is embedded. Excerpts are presented.
DRAFT 2013 WATER DESALINATION
PROPOSAL SOLICITATION PACKAGE
California Department of Water Resources
Brackish and Seawater Desalination Construction Projects
Pilot and Demonstration Projects
Feasibility Study Projects
Research Projects

Excerpts:   The types of water desalination projects to be funded by these grants can be one of the following:
Construction project with a completed feasibility study or facility plan, and permitting and design either ready to proceed or already proceeding towards construction of a full-scale desalination treatment or brine disposal facility
Pilot study or demonstration project with a completed feasibility study or facility plan to assess one or more components of a specific, planned facility
Feasibility study to assess the viability of implementing a brackish groundwater desalination project in a specific area
Research project to support permitting agencies in establishing policies and regulatory criteria for water desalination projects and that are not for the purpose of assessing a specific project

GRANT APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY
The following is a list of water management entities that are eligible to apply for a Prop 50 Water Desalination grant:
• Cities
• Counties
• Cities and Counties
• Joint Power Authorities (JPAs)
• Public Special Districts, such as water or irrigation districts
• Tribes
• Non-profit organizations (including water management groups)
• Universities and colleges
• State agencies (except for construction projects)
• Federal agencies (except for construction projects)
• Other political subdivisions of the State 

INFORMATIVE DESAL REPORT & DOCUMENT: State Water Resources Control Board

ABSTRACT: Interesting desal information, including Draft Final Report of the Expert Review Panel on Intake Impacts and Mitigation, Mitigation and Fees for the Intake of Seawater by Desalination and Power Plants and INFORMATIONAL DOCUMENT Public Scoping Meeting for Proposed Amendments to the Water Quality Control Plans for Ocean Waters and Enclosed Bays and Estuaries of California DESALINATION FACILITIES AND BRINE DISPOSAL (2012) documents, are presented.
Draft Final Report of the Expert Review Panel on Intake Impacts and Mitigation
Mitigation and Fees for the Intake of Seawater by Desalination and Power Plants
Report submitted to Dominic Gregorio, Senior Environmental Scientist, Ocean Unit, State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) in fulfillment of SWRCB Contract No. 09-052-270-1, Work Order SJSURF-10-11-003
INFORMATIONAL DOCUMENT
Public Scoping Meeting for Proposed Amendments to the Water Quality Control Plans for Ocean Waters and Enclosed Bays and Estuaries of California
DESALINATION FACILITIES AND BRINE DISPOSAL
March 2012
DIVISION OF WATER QUALITY
STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Excerpt: “The planned amendment(s) is scheduled to be considered for adoption by the State Water Board in January of 2013 and regulatory provisions of amendments must further be approved by the State Office of Administrative Law (OAL). Any amendments to surface water quality standards must also be approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) in order to be effective. The amendment(s) would be implemented through individual NPDES permits.”

Thursday, January 10, 2013

California Public Utilities Commission: Public Participation Hearings (PPHs) on California American Water’s Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project (MPWSP)

ABSTRACT: Yesterday, Wednesday, January 9, 2013 at 2:00 P.M. and 7:00 P.M., the California Public Utilities Commission hosted two Public Participation Hearings (PPHs) “to allow customers of California American Water (CalAm Water) to provide their comment and opinions on all aspects of this matter to the assigned CPUC Administrative Law Judge” at Monterey City Hall Council Chambers, 580 Pacific Street, Monterey, CA. Note:  CPUC Administrative Law Judge Seaneen Wilson conducted the hearings for ALJ Gary Weatherford. CALIFORNIA AMERICAN WATER NOTICE OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION HEARINGS APPLICATION TO CONSTRUCT AND OPERATE THE MONTEREY PENINSULA WATER SUPPLY PROJECT AND TO RECOVER ALL PRESENT AND FUTURE COSTS IN RATES APPLICATION NO. 12-04-019 NOTICE and CALIFORNIA AMERICAN WATER MONTEREY PENINSULA WATER SUPPLY PROJECT (MPWSP) PUBLIC PARTICIPATION HEARINGS PRESENTATION 01-09-13 are embedded. Links to RELATED NEWS ARTICLES regarding the PPHs are provided.
CALIFORNIA AMERICAN WATER NOTICE OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION HEARINGS APPLICATION TO CONSTRUCT AND OPERATE THE MONTEREY PENINSULA WATER SUPPLY PROJECT AND TO RECOVER ALL PRESENT AND FUTURE COSTS IN RATES APPLICATION NO. 12-04-019 NOTICE

CALIFORNIA AMERICAN WATER MONTEREY PENINSULA WATER SUPPLY PROJECT (MPWSP) PUBLIC PARTICIPATION HEARINGS PRESENTATION 01-09-13

RELATED NEWS ARTICLES:
PUC urged to bypass competing desal plans
By JIM JOHNSON Herald Staff Writer, 01/09/2013

Excerpts Highlights:
Cal Am announced at Wednesday's hearings the water demand for the Peninsula now stands at 15,296 acre-feet per year, which includes allocations for lots of record and "tourism bounce-back" under certain conditions. It is seeking an expanded desal plant capable of producing only about an additional 700 acre-feet per year, which would still not meet the water demand. The larger plant would cost an estimated $17 million more, according to Cal Am's figures. 
Most of those who spoke during the afternoon session took the opportunity to rip Cal Am for coming up with another expensive proposal that many argued had too many challenges — from water rights to environmental review — and would likely be delayed well past the state deadline, or never be built. They pointed out that Peninsula water customers are already paying abnormally high rates that include a surcharge to cover the cost of the failed regional desal project.


News Blog
News Blog
January 9, 2013

Excerpts Highlights:
During a two-hour public participation hearing before CPUC Administrative Law Judge Seaneen Wilson this afternoon, more than 40 people spoke up. Most were Cal Am customers critical of the private water company, though a few (mostly in the local hospitality industry) defended Cal Am's proposal and urged the CPUC to expedite the application.

ADDENDUM:

Tuesday, January 08, 2013

MONTEREY PENINSULA REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITY (MPRWA) REGULAR AND SPECIAL AGENDAS & MINUTES January 10, 2013


AGENDA PACKET, REGULAR MEETING 
MONTEREY PENINSULA REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITY (MPRWA)
January 10, 2013

MONTEREY PENINSULA REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITY (MPRWA)
Balance Sheet
12/05/12
Evaluation of Seawater Desalination Projects
FINAL REPORT
December 2012
Separation Processes, Inc. (SPI)

MPRWA Draft Minutes 
DRAFT MINUTES
MONTEREY PENINSULA REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITY (MPRWA)
January 10, 2013

ABSTRACT: With regard to the Special Meeting AGENDA ITEM 1. Receive Response Letter From California Office of the Attorney General and Take Action to Recommend Amending the Joint Powers Agreement to Allow The County of Monterey to Be a Participatory Member of the MPRWA, Subject to the Approval of the City Members and Execution of the Agreement by the County of Monterey, and Provide Direction for Other Changes as Necessary, the Attorney General reply letter states: “It is, of course, possible that the Cities Authority is considering an alteration to the purpose of the JP A Agreement that forms it, which would permit it to represent both urban and rural water users. In that case, no conflict may arise.” The AGENDA and California Attorney General’s letter, dated December 17, 2012, document is embedded.
AGENDA WITH AG REPLY LETTER, SPECIAL MEETING
MONTEREY PENINSULA REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITY (MPRWA)
January 10, 2013


MONTEREY PENINSULA REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITY (MPRWA)
DRAFT MINUTES, SPECIAL MEETING
January 10, 2013

Friday, January 04, 2013

TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC) REGULAR MEETING OF THE MONTERY PENINSULA REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITY (MPRWA) AGENDA & MINUTES January 7, 2013

TAC MPRWA Agenda Packet 01-07-13
AGENDA PACKET, REGULAR MEETING
TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC)
MONTERY PENINSULA REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITY (MPRWA)
January 7, 2013


   TAC Minutes by  
DRAFT MINUTES
TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC)
MONTEREY PENINSULA REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITY (MPRWA)
January 7, 2013

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM VIII. Orders of Council B. Review and consider the Recirculated Final Environmental Report for the Flanders Mansion property, including consideration and determination of several specific questions related to the adequacy of the EIR and the conformity of the EIR to the General Plan.

RELATED NEWS ARTICLE: 
Carmel to lease Flanders Mansion 
By LARRY PARSONS Herald Staff Writer, 01/08/2013
Excerpt Highlight:
The council voted 5-0 on a motion by Councilman Ken Talmage to immediately entertain lease offers until May 1. Three lease offers have already come in.

ABSTRACT: The City Council’s Regular Meeting Agenda 8 January 2013 includes Agenda Item VIII. Orders of Council B. Review and consider the Recirculated Final Environmental Report for the Flanders Mansion property, including consideration and determination of several specific questions related to the adequacy of the EIR and the conformity of the EIR to the General Plan. The Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council find the 2012 EIR to be adequate. Given that the sole reason for failure of the 2009 EIR was lack of adequacy, however, staff encourages City Council members to carefully review the EIR. Further staff recommendations include:
Determine that a sale, with mitigations, is consistent with the General Plan;
Approve either a lease or a sale;
Limit future occupancy to a single-family residence;
Select Alternatives 6.7 or 6.5A for the boundary for the sale or lease;
Determine that all proposed mitigation measures should be adopted; and
Direct staff and legal counsel to prepare written findings and implementing resolutions for final action at the Council's March 5, 2013 meeting.
With regard to “Approve either a lease or a sale,” recent correspondence is embedded from Les and Patrician Albiol (6 November 2012 and 4 December 2012) expressing an interest in a resident curatorship, Wendy & Peterson Conway (18 October 2012, 22 October 2012 and 25 October 2012) expressing an interest in a long-term lease and Rick Stemple expressing an interest in a long-term lease.
Les and Patricia Albiol – Resident Curatorship
Wendy & Peterson Conway – Long-Term Lease
Rick Stemple – Long-Term Lease

Four Noteworthy 8 January 2013 City Council Agenda Items

ABSTRACT: Four Noteworthy 8 January 2013 City Council Agenda Items, namely Announcements from Closed Session, Announcements from City Administrator, Update on the Water Replacement Project and Review and consider the Recirculated Final Environmental Report for the Flanders Mansion property, including consideration and determination of several specific questions related to the adequacy of the EIR and the conformity of the EIR to the General Plan, are presented. Supporting documents are embedded. 

CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA

Regular Meeting
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
4:30 p.m., Open Session

City Hall
East side of Monte Verde Street between Ocean and Seventh Avenues




II. Roll Call

V. Announcements from Closed Session, from City Council Members and the City Administrator.


A. Announcements from Closed Session.

1. Public Employee Performance Evaluation - Government Code Section 54957. Title: City Attorney.

2. Public Employee Performance Evaluation - Government Code Section 54957. Title: City Administrator.

3. Property Negotiations – Government Code Section 54956.8, Real Property negotiations between City Administrator Jason Stilwell and Christine Sandin regarding the Sunset Cultural Center.

C. Announcements from City Administrator.

1. Completion of successful side fund payoff.

3. Present the proposed budget calendar for FY 2013/2014.

VIII. Orders of Council 

A. Update on the Water Replacement Project. (Oral Report)

B. Review and consider the Recirculated Final Environmental Report for the Flanders Mansion property, including consideration and determination of several specific questions related to the adequacy of the EIR and the conformity of the EIR to the General Plan.

CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA CITY COUNCIL: Closed Session and Public Workshop 7 January 2013

CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA CITY COUNCIL
Closed Session and Public Workshop (begins at 5:30 p.m.)

Monday, January 7, 2013 – 4:00 p.m.
Council Chambers
East side of Monte Verde Street between
Ocean and Seventh Avenues

ABSTRACT: On Monday, January 7, 2013, the Carmel-by-the-Sea City Council is scheduled to conduct a Closed Session at 4:00 P.M. and a Public Workshop at 5:30 P.M. The Public Workshop Subject: 2013 City Goals. The Agenda is embedded.
CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA CITY COUNCIL
Closed Session and Public Workshop
Monday, January 7, 2013

STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD DRAFT REVIEW OF CALIFORNIA AMERICAN WATER COMPANY’S MONTEREY PENINSULA WATER SUPPLY PROJECT

RELATED NEWS ARTICLE: 
Report: Tapping Salinas Valley groundwater won't 'injure' other users 
Cal Am says analysis validates company's water rights stance
By JIM JOHNSON Herald Staff Writer 01/03/2013

ABSTRACT: The STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD DRAFT REVIEW OF CALIFORNIA AMERICAN WATER COMPANY’S MONTEREY PENINSULA WATER SUPPLY PROJECT draft document is embedded. Importantly, the Conclusion states, in part, as follows: 
“If no injury results–this would have to be shown through modeling, mitigation, project design or other means–Cal-Am could legally pump from the Basin by developing a new water supply through desalination that produces water that is surplus to the existing supply. If Cal-Am’s extractions are limited to water derived from brackish or saline sources or areas of the Basin, and it returns all incidental fresh water to the Basin in a method that avoids injury to other users, the MPWSP could proceed without violating other users’ groundwater rights.” 
The Conclusion and Recommendations text sections are reproduced.

STATE WATER RESOUCES CONTROL BOARD DRAFT REVIEW OF CALIFORNIA AMERICAN WATER COMPANY’S MONTEREY PENINSULA WATER SUPPLY PROJECT


10. Conclusion:

The key determination in whether Cal-Am may extract water from beneath the Salinas Basin is whether injury will result to other users or the Basin. If the MPWSP is constructed as described in the FEIR for the North Marina Project the slant wells would pump from the unconfined dune sand aquifer. If groundwater is pumped from an unconfined aquifer and the modeling assumptions in the FEIR for the North Marina Project are accurate, then there will be lowering of groundwater levels within an approximate 2-mile radius. Since seawater intrusion occurs in this area, this water developed through desalination is likely “surplus” to the needs of other users in the Basin. Based on the information available, it is unlikely any injury would occur by the lowering of the groundwater levels in this region. Nevertheless, Cal-Am would be required to show there was no injury and that any fresh water it extracts is returned to the Basin.

Modeling for the North Marina Project does not predict that Basin users’ fresh water supplies would be affected if its wells pump from an unconfined aquifer, which we assume to also be true for the MPWSP. If however, further exploratory testing shows water is removed from a confined aquifer, water levels would be lowered in a larger inland area and the effect on groundwater flow direction would be greater. Since the pumping from a confined condition would affect a much larger area, there would be a greater likelihood of the MPWSP extracting fresh water from the Basin thereby causing impacts to other users in the Basin that would require additional mitigation measures to avoid injury to affected users.

If no injury results–this would have to be shown through modeling, mitigation, project design or other means–Cal-Am could legally pump from the Basin by developing a new water supply through desalination that produces water that is surplus to the existing supply. If Cal-Am’s extractions are limited to water derived from brackish or saline sources or areas of the Basin, and it returns all incidental fresh water to the Basin in a method that avoids injury to other users, the MPWSP could proceed without violating other users’ groundwater rights.

A physical solution could be implemented to ensure that all rights are protected while maximizing the beneficial uses of the Basin’s waters.36 Such an approach is consistent with the general policy stated in the California Constitution article X section 2, and by a long history of case law that has provided guidance on the solutions that can be developed to address complex groundwater issues in regions where supply is constrained. The ongoing development of unique solutions tailored to the specific conditions that apply to a given groundwater basin, reflects the understanding that waters in California are too valuable not to be utilized to the maximum extent possible if beneficial uses and other legal users’ rights are maintained.

11. Recommendations

Additional information is needed to accurately determine MPWSP impacts on current and future Basin conditions. First, specific information is needed on the depth of the wells and aquifer that water will be extracted from. Studies are needed to determine the extent of the dune sand aquifer, the water quality and quantity of the dune sand aquifer, the extent and thickness of the SVA and the extent of the 180-Foot Aquifer.

Second, the effects of the MPWSP on the Basin need to be evaluated. A series of test boring/wells would be needed to assess the hydrogeologic conditions at the site. Aquifer testing would be needed to determine the pumping effects on both the dune sand aquifer and the underlying 180-Foot Aquifer. Aquifer tests should mimic proposed pumping rates.

Third, a groundwater model will be needed to predict future impacts from the MPWSP. Modeling scenarios will need to be run to predict changes in groundwater levels, groundwater flow direction, and changes in the extent and boundary of the seawater intrusion front. Additional studies will be necessary to determine how any extracted fresh water is replaced, whether through re-injection wells, percolation basins, or through existing recharge programs. The studies will form the basis for a plan that avoids injury to other groundwater users and protects beneficial uses in the Basin.

Flanders Mansion Property – Market Value Impact of Reduced Parcel Size EIR Alternatives (2013) & Flanders Mansion Property – Economic Feasibility Analysis (2009)

ABSTRACT: The Flanders Mansion Property – Economic Feasibility Analysis “Update” - Market Value Impact of Reduced Parcel Size EIR Alternatives (2013) letter and Flanders Mansion Property – Economic Feasibility Analysis (2009) document are embedded. Significantly, the 2013 “Update” states: “The accompanying projections and analyses are based on estimates and assumptions developed in connection with the study. In turn, these assumptions, and their relation to the projections, were developed using currently available economic data and other relevant information. It is the nature of forecasting, however, that some assumptions may not materialize, and unanticipated events and circumstances may occur. Therefore, actual results achieved during the projection period will likely vary from the projections, and some of the variations may be material to the conclusions of the analysis.”
Flanders Mansion Property - Re: Market Value Impact of Reduced Parcel Size EIR Alternatives, Flanders Mansion property, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Lynn M. Sedway, CRE
SEDWAY CONSULTING
January 3, 2013
Flanders Mansion Property – Economic Feasibility Analysis 2009

Thursday, January 03, 2013

Carmel Art Association Presents SPECIAL ALL-MEMBER SHOW


"Since 1927, this historic Carmel gallery has been a showcase for the works of some of California's most renowned artists. Continuing that proud tradition today, the CAA features paintings and sculpture by over 120 of the area's most noted professional artists living on the Central Coast." 

Voted “Art Gallery of the Year” by the Carmel Business Association three consecutive years.

W/s Dolores St. between 5th Av. & 6th Av.
10:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M., Daily, except major Holidays.
Open to the Public at No Charge

For more information, Online or (831) 624-6176.

Thursday, January 3 – Tuesday, February 5, 2013


SPECIAL ALL-MEMBER SHOW (Beardsley Room):
All original fine art - paintings in oil, watercolor, acrylic, graphics and drawings – are offered at reduced prices from Carmel Art Association artist members.

CARMEL ART ASSOCIATION ARTIST MEMBERS




Becom, Jeffrey




Black, Blaine







Catbagan, Eileen





Curtis, Micah




Dominguez, Miguel A.

Donovan, Gael












Gonzales, Alex







Hitchcock, Eric






Jordan, Susan



Lim, Y. S.




Marsh, John Francis

Martin, Gerard




Minou, Carole










Reith, Susan


Robinson, Irene










Tanous, Joe









Whitlock, David





Woodson, Richmond



ADDENDUM:
Carmel Art Association on facebook