Suit to halt Calif. desalination plant dismissed

The Associated Press
6:23 p.m. August 6, 2009

SAN DIEGO — A judge has dismissed an environmental lawsuit challenging what is being billed as the largest desalination plant in the Western Hemisphere in Carlsbad.

San Diego Superior Court Judge Judith F. Hays issued her decision Thursday regarding the lawsuit filed by the Surfrider Foundation and San Diego Coastkeeper.

The environmental groups challenged the State Lands Commission's approval of the project by Poseidon Resources, citing concerns about its impact on sea water and marine life.

CoastKeepers attorney Marco Gonzalez says his organization plans to appeal or object to the decision.

The $320 million project could produce 50 million gallons of drinking water a day, or 10 percent of the supply for San Diego County.

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