Public Forum on expansion of Pure Water

August 14, Public Water Now held a very important forum at MIIS with Monterey One Water, Paul Scuito, and Jonas Minton, Planning and Conservation League who talked about an expansion of a regional recycled water project that can serve as a more affordable, equitable, and viable “Plan B” to the Cal-Am Slant Well Desalination Project. Remember that the Peninsula ratepayers, under CalAm, are paying the highest rate of water in the COUNTRY, even without the $300M plus for the proposed Desalination Project!

The issue of environmental injustice to Marina of Cal-Am’s Project was discussed as litigation will likely occur should the project be approved. Although, the CPUC's “proposed decision” has been to advance the Project for a vote at a CPUC regular meeting in S.F. (possibly Sept. 13), the Project has NOT been issued a building “permit” (CPCN) yet.

On Aug. 22, all official "parties to the proceeding", including the City of Marina, Marina Coast Water District, Citizens for Just Water, and Public Water Now and several others, will get their first opportunity to be heard before the CPUC in S.F. This is very late in a process that will be possibly approved in mid September.

At the August 14 Forum, individuals were urged to exercise their right to contact the CPUC Commissioners regarding the Cal-Am Slant Well Project. The CPUC has many barriers to public participation and comment, so this is perhaps the last opportunity to speak up before the final decision is made.

If ever there was a more urgent time for Marina and Ord communities to write a comment, it is NOW.
Here are the email addresses:

CPUC President Michael Picker
mp6@cpuc.ca.gov

Commissioner Carla Peterman
cap@cpuc.ca.gov

Commissioner Liane Randolph
liane.randolph@cpuc.ca.gov

Commissioner Martha Guzman Aceves
mga@cpuc.ca.gov

Commissioner Cliff Rechtschaffen
cr6@cpuc.ca.gov