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Press Release - June 29, 2007
Contact:
Catherine Bowie
California American Water
T: 831-646-3208
catherine.bowie@amwater.com
Moss Landing test faciltiywill measure water quality in anticipation of full-scale project
MONTEREY, Calif. – Construction of California American Water’s pilot desalination facility began last week at the Moss Landing Power Plant (MLPP.) The pilot plant, described as "the size of an office trailer," will occupy approximately 6,000 square feet or less than one percent of the MLPP site. The primary purpose of the test facility, which was permitted by Monterey County and the California Coastal Commission last year, is to test for water quality as required by the California State Department of Health Services before that agency could issue a permit for the full-scale facility proposed by the company.
California American Water is required by the State Water Resources Control Board to supply 10,730 acre feet of replacement water to reduce pumping on the Carmel River. In 2004, the company proposed the Coastal Water Project, a desalination and aquifer and storage and recovery (ASR) project to meet this requirement. The Coastal Water Project is currently undergoing a public environmental review process led by the California Public Utilities Commission.
Construction of the pilot plant is expected to take three months. The inital work will involve pouring concrete foundations, as required by Monterey County. Self-contained trailers will be attached to the foundations, followed by installation of pipes and electric cables as well as testing of all equipment.
"It is very gratifying to see work begin on this project," said Steve Leonard, General Manager of California American Water. "Our company is constantly striving to provide the Monterey Peninsula with a reliable, drought-proof and environmentally responsible water supply, and the installation of the pilot plant is a major step forward."
The pilot plant, which will cost about $3 million and operate for one year, will divert up to 200,000 gallons per day from the cooling system of the MLPP. The desalinated water, as well as the brine discharge produced by the pilot plant, will be mixed back into the power plant’s outfall before being discharged into Monterey Bay. None of the desalinated water produced will be used for human consumption.
DUE TO POWER PLANT SECURITY REGULATIONS NO MEDIA ACCESS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE PILOT PLANT SITE. STILL PHOTOS ARE AVAILABLE. PLEASE CONTACT CATHERINE BOWIE, OF CALIFORNIA AMERICAN WATER, AT: 831.646.3208.
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California American Water provides quality water and/or wastewater services to over 600,000 people in 50 communities across the state. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Water, the largest and most geographically diversified provider of water services in North America. American Water employs approximately 7,000 dedicated people who serve over 18 million in 29 states and 3 Canadian provinces. More information can be found by visiting www.calamwater.com.
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