Marina sends final notice to Cal Am over water project

Marina is giving Cal Am a final notice over the proposed Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project.

The city issued a “Final Local Action Notice” on Friday, May 10th.

According to the city, the notice reinforces the denial of Cal Am’s permit request for the water project by the city’s planning commission. It also makes clear they can’t appeal to the California Coastal Commission.

The city said because Cal Am decided not to appeal the planning commission’s decision, the permit denial constitutes final agency action under the Coastal Act.

“Our concern is that Cal Am appears to be trying to circumvent our local process where citizens can have input into this permitting process, ask legitimate questions about project impacts, and voice concerns about potential harm to the groundwater basin, natural habitat, and our community,” said Bruce Delgado, Mayor of Marina.

“Instead of following a permitting process that is purposely designed to ensure participation from the local community, Cal Am is avoiding formal engagement with our city and proving that it does not care at all about our community or the environment.”

The city said the planning commission used research from Stanford to show the project will tap into fresh groundwater and cause more seawater intrusion and contamination.

The City of Marina fears this could cause serious harm to the drinking water. The city also believes there will be other risks to the sensitive coastal habitat.

According to the city, “experts have also testified that other sources of water including expansion of the Pure Water Monterey project and water sales from Marina Coast Water District, will meet the short- and long-term regional demand.”

“The alternative projects will meet water supply needs in a much more responsible, affordable, and sustainable manner. Those alternatives would also allow the State Water Resources Control Board to fulfill its mission to protect groundwater basins, helping communities cope better with climate change and future droughts.”

The city said there is an approved Environmental Impact Report on the MPWSP by the CA Public Utilities Commission and the City has submitted briefs regarding that document and process to the California Supreme Court.