While reading about the Central Coast Regional Water Project (CCRWP), I came across a list that DeepWater Desal prepared of the various regulatory approvals, permissions, etc. that it has to get to build a desalination plant. The list is quite mind-boggling really. In addition to the obvious things like California Coastal Commission permission to build something on the coastline, and compliance with the Clean Water Act and air pollution control regulations, there are also things like getting a pass from the Dept. of Fish and Wildlife in case you accidentally scoop up some up some little fishies that are protected in the intake water, or permission from the U.S. Coast Guard, which apparently has the authority to nix any buildings near navigable waters. Seriously.
I thought it was an interesting list of the number and variety of federal, state, and local agencies that have their hands in a project like this, so I copied the entire list -- see my Regulatory page. Full credit goes to DeepWater Desal LLC; I didn't put this together, they did.
I also learned, as I researched other public works projects, that it behooves one to consult with other groups, like farmers' organizations, Sierra Club, watchdog groups, etc. to get buy-in on your project before they all start suing. It's a lot of work really -- no wonder it takes so long to get anything done.
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