The Carlsbad Desalination Plant is making improvements!
The Carlsbad Desalination Plant (CDP) was collocated with the Encina Power Station (EPS), however, since the EPS decommissioned on December 11, 2018, the CDP has been transitioning to permanent stand-alone operations. That will require a phased-construction of new facilities that will positively enhance operations.
Overview
Project Name Carlsbad Desalination Plant Intake and Discharge Modification
Description The purpose of the proposed project is to finalize the transition to permanent stand-alone operations by installing modifications to the existing intake system and associated outfall system in and near the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Outer Basin associated with the CDP, located adjacent to the EPS in Carlsbad, California. The project would include installation of an approximately 160-feet by 32-feet partially submerged intake system in the Lagoon that extends approximately 25-feet above water, an above water deck approximately 200-feet long and 30-feet wide, and a debris return area between the discharge pond and intake system. In addition, the proposed project includes the installation of a prefabricated 500-square foot electrical building, the demolition, relocation, and replacement of the marine research shed, replacement and relocation of a boat ramp, installation of a floating debris boom in front of the intake screens, and abandonment-in-place and demolition of the existing Encina Power Station intake screens and channels, discharge channel, and existing 72-inch feeder pipeline and vault and the constructions of a new 72-inch feeder pipeline and vault.
Time Frame Construction of the stand-alone intake system includes two separate phases with the first phase focused on construction of the fish-friendly pump station and the second phase focused on the installation the new intake structure and modification of the EPS tunnels. The first phase of construction, the fish-friendly pump station, was completed in June 2020. The second phase of construction, the new intake structure (i.e. the proposed modifications) are anticipated to begin in Q3 2022 and last approximately one year.
Location Project will be located in Carlsbad, CA near the Outer Basin of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon.
Permits Sought State and city ordinances require that construction design be approved before a permit can be issued. This approval process is a review of all aspects of the construction in order to verify that it complies with current state and municipal codes. Three city permits are being sought for this project. The first two are: Conditional Use Permit (CUP2022-0010) Special Use Permit (SUP2022-0060)
These first two permits require approval by the Planning Commission at a noticed public hearing. The third permit is Consistency Determination (CD2022-0022). The city anticipates the consistency determination will be a staff approval only. Notice of Public Hearing NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to you that the Planning Commission of the City of Carlsbad will hold a public hearing at the Council Chamber, 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad, California, at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 5, 2022...Read more here.
City of Carlsbad Public Involvement Process The City requires a two part process to ensure adequate public involvement prior to approval of permit(s). Part A - Notice of Public Application and Part B - Enhanced Stakeholder Outreach Process View Figure 1 - Project Public Involvement Flow Chart for more details.
Public Input/Comment Form
Important Information Disclosure: Be advised that comments and other information submitted and in blog comments will be forwarded to the City of Carlsbad and become part of the public record.