Positive Water News for Peninsula Homeowners & Buyers

Linda & Michael Miller — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 23:42:56 +0000

CPUC Approves Peninsula Water Project

The California Public Utilities Commission approved Thursday a request from the California American Water Company to form a new water desalination plant for the Monterey Peninsula.

The desalination project, called the Regional Project, has been in the works since 2004 and is expected to produce 10 million gallons of water per day.

“With our decision today we are meeting the critical water needs of the Monterey area, while protecting the environment and controlling ratepayer costs. I am proud this inclusive and historically elusive goal has been met,” CPUC Commissioner Nancy E. Ryan said.

The additional source water is needed to make up for water currently taken from the Carmel River, which must stop by Dec. 31, 2016, based on an order by the California Water Resources Control Board.

“Today’s decision balances the need for adequate water with the need to provide water at a reasonable price,” said CPUC Commissioner John A. Bohn.

The Marina Coast Water District will own, construct, operate and maintain the desalination plant and the product, while Cal-Am will own, construct, operate and maintain the pipeline, conveyance and pumping facilities necessary to deliver the water to its customers.

Bohn also said the desalination plant was the only feasible project that could be completed within the time limit imposed by the State Water Resources Control Board.

The CPUC adopted a $297.5 million capital cost cap for the Regional Project facilities. A capital cost cap of $106.875 million was set for the Cal-Am-only facilities.

Cost recovery from Cal-Am ratepayers above the cost caps would only be allowed if there are exceptional circumstances that pass a review.

Although the California Coastal Commission must approve the plan, Cal-Am officials said they are proceeding on schedule with construction planning.

The plant is scheduled to be operational by 2015.

Story posted 2010.12.02 at 02:30 PM PST

Life in Carmel Valley

Linda & Michael Miller — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 22:42:14 +0000

Carmel Valley is a paradise where sun-drenched ranches, wineries and wilderness inspire country living. Carmel Valley begins as you head east from Highway 1 on to Carmel Valley Road and follow the gentle twists for 12 miles before arriving in Carmel Valley Village. When the coast is socked in with fog, you can count on sunshine in Carmel Valley. We locals swear that it is sunny 300 days per year. Carmel Valley offers a full range of home styles and properties from sophisticated hilltop estates to kid friendly neighborhoods. The Valley also offers something for every interest with its wide array of shops, wineries, restaurants, resorts, parks and much more. One of our favorite things to do is to go for a family hike on one of the many picturesque trails at Garland Ranch Park in Mid-Valley. When you’re raised in such a beautiful place like we were, there can be a tendency to start to overlook it’s splendors. We are lucky enough to have returned to Carmel Valley after years of living in different cities accross the US and we feel blessed every day to live, work and raise our two boys in such a spectacular place.