Dipping into desalination

California's first of several proposed desalination plants moved one step closer to breaking ground this week.

The plant, which would be constructed and operated by Poseidon Resources Corp., received unanimous, bi-partisan approval from the San Diego County state delegation Aug. 20. The California Coastal Commission must give final approval before the plant can move forward.

The plant, planned for Carlsbad, Calif., is also in the process of gaining permits for a desalination plant in Long Beach, Calif. (See "Water World," Sustainable Industries, July 2007). Getting past the California Coastal Commission has been considered the primary obstacle facing any desalination plant in California; but unanimous approval from the state delegation puts Poseidon in a strong position to gain approval from the commission.

The commission plans to make its decision by November 2007. If the plant is approved, it could produce 50 million gallons of fresh water per day by 2010, according to Poseidon.