A Deadly Process

Elaine Carlin, a marine biologist, EHC consultant and co-author of Deadly Power, said the discharges from the plant also create an imbalance of species like stingrays, which are drawn to the warmer water. Carlin said studies that she reviewed also suggest the diversity of species is significantly altered due to the plant’s warm water discharges. Other studies indicate that certain species like halibut and clams are less abundant than they should be because of plant discharges, she said.

Looking at the independent studies of the plant’s impacts on marine life, Carlin said, "Logically, one has to conclude that there is a huge impact on the South Bay."

There are no good economic reasons to keep the existing power plant as it is grossly inefficient compared to modern plants. A new plant that generates the same amount of electricity would use significantly less natural gas and emit less air pollution. Efficient use of natural gas is critical given the air toxics created by burning oil and the limited supply of natural gas.

These impacts to the Bay and air quality are unnecessary. There are feasible, viable, and environmentally-protective alternatives for replacement of the South Bay Power Plant. The technology of dry-cooling uses air instead of water to cool power plants and has been used at other facilities for more than 40 years. This type of cooling system has no air emissions, no unsightly plumes, and no negative impacts to local waterways.

"Officials with authority over the South Bay Power Plant should establish an enforceable time line to phase it out and replace it as soon as possible. A more efficient, dry-cooled plant and aggressive commitments to conservation and clean, renewable energy sources will result in the significant benefits to the region," Hunter said.

Comparison of Existing Plant with a New, Dry-cooled Power Plant

On Dec. 5, EHC and community members attended the State Water Resources Control Board public workshop to ask that San Diego Bay be added to the proposed 2002 list of water bodies that do not meet Federal Clean Water Act standards due to elevated pollution levels. The list is more commonly known as the 303(d) list. The addition of the Bay to the list would ensure that it receives priority from government agencies for protection and clean-up.

Imperial Beach resident Star Diffenderfer stressed the immediacy of the problem and asked that officials act quickly to protect the heath of the Bay. Immediate action is necessary to protect the Bay for future generations, she said.

Regional Board officials said their recommended list would remain unchanged. However, the 303(d) list will not be completed by the state until early this year. The State Water Resources Control Board will continue to accept public input on the list of water bodies until the list is adopted.

Improvements in the regulation of the existing power plant are key to lessening the negative environmental impacts on San Diego Bay.

On Dec.12, clean water activists and union members attended a meeting of the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board for a public hearing on the renewal of the plant’s National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. 20 speakers demanded that the Regional Board require new, more protective requirements for the discharges into San Diego Bay. They also asked the Regional Board to include a permit condition or resolution that clearly states that any replacement plant should not use Bay water for cooling. The impacts from current practices should be fully mitigated and the Bay should be restored, speakers said. Clean water activists also asked that the current monitoring conditions be significantly increased to ensure full, comprehensive, and meaningful regulation of all discharges from the plant, and be designed to fully assess impacts on beneficial uses.

The Regional Board postponed a vote on the permit after it was discovered that staff members failed to submit documents from EHC, the Bay Council and other clean water activists for Board review. Included in the documents were copies of the Deadly Power report and activist letters.

In addition, letters of support for a more stringent permit were filed from Lt. Governor Cruz Bustamante, San Diego Mayor Dick Murphy, Port of San Diego Commissioners Stephen Cushman and Peter Janopaul, San Diego Councilmember Scott Peters and Donna Frye, Imperial Beach Councilmember Patricia McCoy, Chula Vista Councilmember Mary Salas, and Michael Shames, Executive Director of the Utility Consumers’ Action Network. Members from the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees (H.E.R.E.) Union, Local #30 also attended the meeting and spoke in support of EHC’s position.