CARLSBAD: Encina to discuss power plant plans
By BARBARA HENRY - Staff Writer | ∞
CARLSBAD ---- After making several significant revisions to its development plans, including adding 40 feet to the project's proposed smokestacks, Encina Power Station's owners are hosting a workshop session Thursday to get the public's thoughts.
"It's our own open house," said Tim Hemig, project manager for NRG Energy Inc., as he described the event.
It's set for 6 to 8 p.m. in the grand ballroom of the recently opened Sheraton Resort and Spa at 5480 Grand Pacific Ave. People will be able to wander from table to table, viewing drawings of the proposed power plant project and talking to NRG Energy employees.
The company is proposing to build two rapid-fire, "peaker-style" generators capable of producing 540 megawatts of electricity, or enough to power nearly 400,000 homes. The new equipment would go between the railroad tracks and Interstate 5 ---- well east of the company's existing massive concrete power plant and its 400-foot-tall smokestack, which is visible for miles along the North County coastline.
Initially, NRG Energy had proposed that the new equipment would have 100-foot-tall smokestacks, but revised that to 139 feet this summer.
Other proposed changes to the original plans include:
-- Installing a reverse osmosis system to allow the use of seawater at the proposed plant
-- Relocating a San Diego Gas & Electric switchyard
The changes haven't found favor with city of Carlsbad officials, who also didn't like the initial plan. They've been pushing NRG Energy to put the project elsewhere in town, saying Encina's prime coastal site could be put to better use.
Joe Garuba, the city's municipal projects manager, said Carlsbad officials will attend Thursday's workshop, but stressed that the event is a company-sponsored event, rather than something hosted by the state Energy Commission, which is reviewing the plans.
"I'm hoping to be afforded some time to comment, so it's not so one-sided," he said.
While the city of Carlsbad has voiced opposition, it doesn't have the power to deny the company the right to proceed --- that's up to the state Energy Commission.
The state commission staff expected to issue a draft report on the plans later this year, with a commission hearing to follow late this year or early next year.
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Larry wrote on Aug 26, 2008 8:32 PM:How about a giant filter to remove all the sewage from the Carlsbad beaches.
Keep the power plant wrote on Aug 26, 2008 10:03 PM:I say keep the power plant. They have been relatively good neighbors. There is no way I want the City Council or private developers getting that land and building awful, high-density condos or such, and preventing beach access for the locals. There is just too much development high density development along the coast.
Matt wrote on Aug 27, 2008 8:47 AM:I agree!! Keep the power plant and keep out developers! Why is it our city council can't understand that not every open area needs to be developed? Apparently they have forgotten why they moved here or haven't visited the beach recently and tried to find a place to park.
Also, why do the city street crews wait until the day before school starts to dig up the street in front of the school? Another example of great planning!
Mr. Know-It-All wrote on Aug 27, 2008 9:14 AM:The Carlsbad City Council wants to develop this property with revenue-generating hotels and retail shops. This will only create more crowding and traffic congestion along this beautiful coastline. SAVE THE POWER PLANT!
Frank M. wrote on Aug 27, 2008 9:24 AM:The best decisions are made in a collaborative environment. Mr. Garuba's comments suggest that the City of Carlsbad has an adversarial relationship with NRG. This is not good for the community and its citizens. The City should be working for what's right and fair for all.
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