Voice of OC (https://voiceofoc.org/tag/desalination/)
On July 18, Orange County Water Board will vote on new terms for the Poseidon desalination project. Orange County Coastkeeper’s Garry Brown and tourism/marketing leader Steve Bone argue that Poseidon is a bad deal for consumers and businesses, who would be hit especially hard by water rate increases.
Paul Cook, general manager for the Irvine Ranch Water District and Brian Lochrie, a spokesman for Poseidon, which is proposing a desal plant in Huntington Beach, both talk about the pros and cons for taxpayers and residents about desalinated water.
An independent report shows seawater desalination is by far the most expensive water supply. Local residents want to understand the true cost of the proposed Huntington Beach desalination project, especially if they are being asked to pay for it, plus the pros and the cons.
The results of the William C. Velasquez Institute internet poll of 404 OC registered Latino voters during a two-week period reveal attitudes on water. Invitations to participate in the survey was sent via email.
Adriana Maestas, who lives in Fullerton, argues that framing the desalination plant as a social justice issue for Latinos is a ridiculous argument designed to only favor a private company and their investors.
Ray Hiemstra, associate director of programs with OC Coastkeeper, writes that Poseidon’s desalination work in SD has locked that community into a bad deal and the proposal for Orange County hides the true cost of distributing the water.
It appeared the Garden Grove City Council would take a stand against a controversial desalination plant in Huntington Beach, but activists opposing the project were disappointed when council members quickly retreated.
A strong turnout is expected at today’s meeting of the Orange County Water District board, where board members are slated to move forward with their consideration of the Poseidon project.
Twice in recent weeks, Roger Faubel Public Affairs has received lucrative public contracts, even though it was initially not rated the best qualified firm.
The appeal is the latest move in a longstanding dispute between environmentalists and desalination proponents.