If the Encina Power Station were to close, how would the project be affected?
Encina is presently a “must-run” facility and an important element of the power supply network in San Diego county. In the event that the power plant was to close, Poseidon has acquired the first right to use the power station intake and outfall facilities, to continue full operations for up to 60 years. The desalination plant would not be significantly affected if current operating conditions at the power plant were to change. Poseidon and the City of Carlsbad have always anticipated that the desalination plant would eventually outlive the Power Plant. The City took the initiative during the environmental review process to extensively study the desalination plant’s impact to the environment under the scenario where the power plant is not operating. The City’s certified EIR concluded that the desalination plant can operate without significant impacts to marine life. Regardless of if, or when, the sea water-cooled power plant is decommissioned, operational restrictions and monitoring an
