Extraction Barrier and Brackish Water Treatment Project

After nearly a century of groundwater pumping along the coast of Ventura County, the local groundwater basin beneath the Oxnard Plan has been impaired by seawater intrusion—hindering agricultural groundwater pumping which is the economic engine of Ventura County. United Water Conservation District (UWCD) is partnering with the US Navy to develop an innovative project that will create a seawater intrusion barrier under the Pt Mugu Naval Facility designed to reduce seawater intrusion and ultimately create a new water supply for the County through brackish water treatment.

Why does this project matter?

When fully implemented, the Extraction Barrier and Brackish (EBB) Water Treatment Project will provide multiple benefits to the region including groundwater quality protection in support of the local Groundwater Sustainability Plan, as well as providing a new reliable potable water source.

What is ESA doing to help?

ESA is supporting UWCD with CEQA, NEPA and permitting compliance for the EBB Water Treatment Project. ESA is preparing environmental documentation including the preparation of a Mitigated Negative Declaration pursuant to CEQA and an Environmental Assessment for the Navy to comply with NEPA. ESA is also assisting with permit acquisition for the project’s seawater intrusion barrier and potable water supply source for the Point Mugu Navy Base and surrounding communities.

Connect with our team

Tom Barnes

This important water supply project promotes the development of new local water supply sources, while at the same time protects the Oxnard Plan Groundwater Basin from further seawater intrusion.