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Central Coast board develops alternative water supply plan for nitrate‑impacted domestic wells, and briefs on Diablo Canyon and Monterey Peninsula projects
Summary
Central Coast staff described a program to provide short‑ and long‑term alternative water supplies for residents with nitrate‑impacted groundwater and previewed major permit matters including the Diablo Canyon cooling‑water permits and a Monterey Peninsula desalination, noting public interest and complex regulatory reviews.
Central Coast Regional Water Board officials outlined development of an alternative water supply program to respond to nitrate contamination of drinking wells, and briefed members on two major infrastructure matters: the Diablo Canyon Power Plant permitting package and a Monterey Peninsula desalination proposal tied to Carmel River diversions.
The board is implementing direction from the State Water Board to include an alternative water supply program alongside revisions to its agricultural WDRs. The program will target residents whose private or community wells are impacted by nitrate above drinking‑water standards. Central Coast staff said they are preparing a short‑term cost and needs assessment and will solicit public input on eligibility and program design, then draft WDR language and a voluntary agreement that would allow dischargers to fund alternative supplies. Staff emphasized the human‑right‑to‑water frame and noted the region’s high reliance on groundwater (85–90% of residents).
Separately, staff discussed the Diablo Canyon Power Plant. The plant’s 1990 NPDES permit has been administratively extended and Pacific Gas and Electric is seeking a new 401 certification concurrent with its NRC license renewal. Staff said a new coastal NPDES permit update and certification are needed before the plant’s federal licensing continues, and that staff will hold workshops and a board hearing as permit development advances.
The board also described an ongoing Monterey Peninsula desalination project associated with obligations tied to Carmel River diversions. The proposed Cal Am project would use slant‑well intakes (not an open ocean intake) and route brine/reject to an existing wastewater treatment plant outfall; staff noted marine life mortality and outfall mixing issues will be central to permit review, and that the project has strong public interest tied to water supply, growth and sanctuary protections.
Staff urged stakeholder engagement on the alternative water supply design and said the nitrate program will include eligibility criteria, short‑term interim supply options and a longer‑term strategy linked to implementation funding and voluntary enrollment by dischargers.
