MAILBAG - Dec. 14, 2006

No controls in place for desalination plant

The Sierra Club, the Surfrider Foundation and the residents of Huntington Beach, Newport Beach and Sunset Beach should push ahead to stop the desalination plant.

Besides the fact that City Council members ignored the requests of the residents of Huntington Beach, there are no controls in place should Poseidon increase intake-output of water.

All of the information I have read states that the desalination plant can accommodate 50 million gallons per day. This is what the environmental impact studies examined. But what happens if Poseidon decides to increase the intake-output to 200, 300 or 400 million gallons per day? The company is not required to gain another permit because it already has one. I state again that there are no controls in place — Poseidon officials are free to do what they want.

Also, I cannot understand why this has not been put to a public vote. According to what I have read, the city’s charter pushes decisions concerning public property to public voting. An example was an item on the recent Huntington Beach ballot (Measure T) that allows a senior center to be built in Central Park, a public property.

One could argue that the Poseidon project affects public property and thus requires final approval by a public vote.

Here’s what the city code says:

“Section 612. PUBLIC UTILITIES AND PARKS AND BEACHES.

(a) No public utility or park or beach or portion thereof now or hereafter owned or operated by the City shall be sold, leased, exchanged or otherwise transferred or disposed of unless authorized by the affirmative votes of at least a majority of the total membership of the City Council and by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the electors voting on such proposition at a general or special election at which such proposition is submitted.”

Forcing it to a public vote could give opponents of the desalination plant a fighting chance. In my opinion, the foxes (many on the City Council) have been guarding the hen house for far too long.

DAVID RICE

Huntington Beach

Let’s not wait until the tap runs dry

Should this be the end? Yes, but it probably won’t be. Too often we see well-meaning groups and individuals continue to fight for fighting’s sake.

The Poseidon project will have a positive impact on Huntington Beach and its residents. The Environmental Impact Report (EIR) has been certified, and the courts have confirmed that the project is not harmful to our environment.

Well-planned projects such as this one should be congratulated for protecting and enhancing our environment. This is in addition to providing our community an additional source of safe, reliable, clean drinking water.

We applaud Poseidon for helping plan our future. Let’s not wait until we turn our tap on one day to find it dry. We should be proud of the innovation that is taking place right here in our community.

TODD PRIEST

Orange County Business Council

Vice president, government

and community affairs

Just let it go, Poseidon protesters

The opponents of the desalination plant need to let this go. The time and money of the city of Huntington Beach could and should be focused on other projects now.

YVONNE ROTHSTEIN

Huntington Beach

Keep up the fight against plant

I believe opponents of the desalination plant in Huntington Beach should continue their fight to keep it from being built.

The tremendous amount of concentrated salt residue remaining after the ocean water is treated would be flushed back into the ocean. There is not enough evidence proving that this would not result in substantial harm to the ocean and all living things in it.

The mentality of build it first, then deal with any harm afterward is unwise indeed.

BRENDA WHITING

Huntington Beach

Poseidon will help avoid future crises

I would like to express support for a desalination plant in Huntington Beach. I have two main points:

We owe it to future generations to plan for shortages and allow for change.

STEVE MURRAY

Huntington Beach

City should learn from Tampa Bay’s example

I think the desalination plant for Huntington Beach is a good idea.

I think we should be cautious and learn from the Tampa Bay debacle. The remediation contractors missed the October 2006 deadline for the 14-day test.

Perhaps there are a few more things yet remaining to learn about desalination plants.

J. FRANK CHAMBERS

Huntington Beach

The city needs fresh water from Poseidon

I am anxious for the Poseidon plant to go ahead in the city of Huntington Beach. I am also a friend of the environment.

I believe the Sierra Club and the Surfrider Foundation should not pursue further opposition to the plant.

Orange County and Huntington Beach need the fresh water!

KATHLEEN DAVIS

Huntington Beach