EIR and EIS released

Efforts to solve the Monterey Peninsula’s water crisis took a major step forward today after the California Public Utilities Commission and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary released their respective environmental reports for California American Water’s proposed seawater desalination project. The desalination is one of three major components of the Monterey Peninsula Water Supply Project.

The reports based on years of research were released in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act and the National Environmental Policy Act that require an analytical report on the impacts of the Water Supply Project’s desalination component among other considerations. The issuance of these documents marks a significant milestone in the project as the public will finally be availed a comprehensive, scientific and independent analysis of the project’s key elements, including environmental impacts and project alternatives.

The report can be read here.