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Carlsbad company requests approval of desalination plant

Construction of a desalination plant in Carlsbad could be a year away. The company hoping to build the plant wants the state Coastal Commission to approve its plans. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has more.

Carlsbad company requests approval of desalination plant

Construction of a desalination plant in Carlsbad could be a year away. The company hoping to build the plant wants the state Coastal Commission to approve its plans. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce has more.

Connecticut-based Poseidon Resources needs the approval of the Coastal Commission before it can move forward with building the plant. The filing is the last step in the permit process. If approved, the Commission will hold a public hearing on the development plans. Peter MacLaggan is overseeing the desalination project.

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MacLaggan: "We anticipate that we are several months away from a hearing and you know most likely looking at the first or second quarter of 2007 before we're at the point where we're ready to go before the commission."

MacLaggan says the plant would provide water to 300,000 county residents beginning in 2009. The $270 million plant would be built on three acres at the Encina power station in Carlsbad. Several environmental groups oppose the project. The Surfrider Foundation says it'll have negative effects on the area's marine environment and promotes wasteful water use. Ed Joyce, KPBS News.