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Public raises questions about Cambria WRF, ZLD pilot and brine disposal; staff says ZLD pilot recovered ~99%
Summary
Members of the public criticized the WRF project's costs and unresolved brine-disposal questions; staff said the ZLD pilot recovered roughly 98–99% of water and that the district is investigating brine disposal options, including potential interconnects with San Simeon and county studies.
Multiple public commenters used the March 12 meeting to press the board on the Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) and the status of zero-liquid-discharge (ZLD) pilot reporting. Christine Heinrichs urged the board to "stop" spending on what she characterized as an expensive, unresolved project and questioned whether the pilot's results and accounting have been adequately documented.
General Manager McElhaney and Vice President Dean responded that pilot data are being finalized by third-party vendors (Global Water Innovations and the consultant preparing the report), that the ZLD tests indicated about 98—99% recovery in the pilot and that staff are pursuing multiple disposal options for concentrate, including a county feasibility study of an interconnection and eventual permitting steps. McElhaney said the planning commission advanced the coastal development permit and that the matter has been appealed to the Board of Supervisors; any agreements would return to the board for approval.
