Project Phases

Proposed scwd² Desalination Facility

Construction of the proposed 2.5 million-gallon-per day facility is dependent on the completion of the pilot test program, technical review of the data collected, and the environmental approval and permitting of the plant's design.  The preliminary proposed project schedule anticipates  design in 2012 and construction to be completed in 2015.  A construction estimate has not yet been determined since the desalination program is in its investigative phase and there is insufficient detail on the design of the facility at this time.

The operational strategy for the desalination facility would provide water supply during a drought to the City of Santa Cruz service area. During non-drought periods, the plant would provide water supply for Soquel Creek Water District (SqCWD). Concepts for an operational plan will be developed by the Task Force for final approval by the legislative bodies of both the City of Santa Cruz and Soquel Creek Water District. The plan shall include policies and procedures for determining when each agency would have primary use of the plant. Key issues include:

• SqCWD would use desalination facility to supply customers while resting  existing wells to recharge the aquifers and protect groundwater resources
• SCWD would coordinate with SqCWD for Santa Cruz use of the plant in drought periods
• Each agency  would finance the operational costs of the plant associated with their use

 

Project level environmental review will begin once the pilot test program is finished. Impacts evaluated in the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) will include, but are not limited to:

• energy requirements,
• emissions,
• outfall monitoring,
• impacts to marine species,
• impingement/entrainment, and
• public access to the coast.