Dear Governor Newsom,
Cc: Representative Raul Ruiz, M.D., Bruce Wilcox, Gary Jennings, www.leonardodicaprio.org, www.saltonseasynergy.com .net .org
I am writing to you as a concerned California citizen with a proposal that can address multiple environmental issues we are facing in Southern California. If implemented, this plan can: 1) Relieve the water shortages, 2) Provide clean sustainable energy, 3) Save one of our largest lakes/bird sanctuaries, 4) Create growth in a depressed region of Southern California, 5) Eliminate the threat of toxic dust storms (created by the demise of the Salton Sea), and 6) Offset global warming/greenhouse gasses.
The key to this proposal is the Salton Sea. Most see the Salton Sea as a huge problem – I see it as a huge opportunity. To this end, I have put together a long term cost effective and environmentally friendly plan that will not only restore the Salton Sea, it will transform it to a profitable sought after destination for business and recreation. The key is utilizing the synergy of abundant local renewable resources to restore the sea’s level, generate power and desalinate sea water.
As you are aware the Salton Sea is rapidly deteriorating due to a multitude of reasons. There are plans underway to sustain a much smaller sea and create ponds to reduce hazardous dust storms. However, these plans will be costly, require excessive maintenance, and only be partially effective. The plan I am proposing will not only save the Salton Sea, it will provide endless benefits. The plan consists of three phases which I refer to as: “Salton Sea Synergy”.
Phase 1 - Short Term: Finish the near complete downhill canal connecting the Sea of Cortez via the Laguna Salada, to the Salton Sea. This canal will bring in clean ocean water to the Salton Sea restoring the water level and saving the sea/bird sanctuary, in addition it will eliminate the pending toxic dust storms. Please refer to the nonprofit “Sea to Sea Project” proposal sent to Bruce Wilcox May 19, 2019. A copy can also be found at www.saltonseasynergy.com. This influx of sea water will also reduce or eliminate the need to channel millions of gallons of Colorado River water into the Salton Sea as required under the current plan intended to reduce dust.
Immediate Benefits
· Rescue the Salton Sea – One of the largest bird sanctuaries in North America
· Eliminate toxic dust storms– Potentially reaching as far as Los Angeles
· Relieve the water shortage– Reduce the need to use Colorado River water
· Optimize funding – Current plan approx. $8.9 billion and will not solve the problem
· Create needed jobs - In a depressed area of California
Phase 2 - Mid Term: Construct desalinization/filtering plants powered by sustainable, eco-friendly geothermal, solar and wind resources which already exist in the area. The desalinated water can be used for agriculture, consumption in the surrounding areas and bird sanctuary habitat. The use of desalinated water will further reduce the draw from the Colorado River.
Intermediate Benefits
· Further relieve the water shortage – Reduce draw on Colorado River
· Generate revenue – Sale of water and energy
· Reduce our carbon footprint – Renewable energy
· Create additional jobs – Build desalinization plants and expand infrastructure
Phase 3 - Long Term: Expand the canal, Construct additional desalinization plants, power plants and energy storage plants. Energy storage options include hydrogen or thermal energy storage (TES). The water, power and hydrogen can be used locally or sold to generate revenue. Power transmission to San Diego is already possible through the existing Sunrise Powerlink. This plan will also be instrumental in meeting multiple state/federal policies and mandates for the increased use of renewable energy and offsetting greenhouse gasses.
Once the Salton Sea is stabilized and the water is returned to acceptable salinity levels, business and recreation will be drawn to the region. Yes it will be costly but we can’t afford not to implement this plan. Ultimately the end result will be extremely profitable for California and become a model for the world to follow.
Long Term Benefits – Create an environmental model for the world
· Save the Salton Sea
· Eliminate potential toxic dust storms
· Rescue a prime bird sanctuary
· Provide clean water and power
· Add energy storage capability to the power grid
· Create jobs
· Advance technology
· Bring much needed business to the depressed Imperial Valley
· Reduce our carbon footprint
· Offset climate change
· Reduce Co2/greenhouse gasses
· Comply with state and federal policies and mandates
· Eliminate the need for more dams
· Reduce the need for desalinization plants near the ocean
· Produce zero emission hydrogen
· Produce salt/minerals/fertilizer
· Provide recreational opportunities
· Develop fish farms
· Expand infrastructure
· Generate revenue for California
I am a retired Engineer after working for United Technologies for more than 25 years. I would be honored to provide my assistance in any way appropriate to make this effort successful. You can find additional information on the web page at www.saltonseasynergy.com.
Thank you for your time and consideration. Please feel free to get in touch with me at any of the following contacts.
Regards,
Lamont Castagnera
1175 Eastside Road
El Cajon, CA 92020
llcast@att.net
Home (619) 449-3352
Cell (619) 569-4077
