The public comment period for a Federal ruling on the collection of Jade in the Sanctuary closed on September 8. Approximately 200 comments were received in the Sanctuary office. The Study evaluates the feasibility of a regional water recycling project using recycled water from the San Francisco Bay Area. Each project alternative proposed in the study involves maximizing local water recycling within the Monterey Bay Area and exporting the recycled water in excess of that used locally. Moreover, if such a pipeline was constructed for the purposes of the Central California recycling plan, an additional threat would be from the ease with which other untreated material could also be carried to the ocean at some point in the future.
Strong condemnation is needed now so the ocean pipeline alternative is dropped early in the process.
They suggested that a dialogue be started about the Monterey option, and commented that communications between the project developers and the appropriate individuals in Monterey must be improved. CWG members are encouraged to write a letter asking that we be notified of the schedule for public meetings and that a meeting be scheduled in Monterey, Salinas, or both. The study currently gives minimal importance to an environmental review. The document is to be submitted to meet the requirements of the Section 6217 of the Coastal Zone Management Act Reauthorization. The TAC reports should be provided to add detail and substance to a document that presently remains vague and ineffective.