Cal Am makes its first ask to Marina decision-makers for a desal plant, and the city plays defense.

Over the last few years, as the topic of a public buyout of California American Water’s local system gained traction, officials from Cal Am had a common refrain: We’re not for sale.

Over that same period of time, officials and residents from the city of Marina had a similar message for Cal Am, which aims to build an array of slant wells on Marina’s beach to pipe brackish water to the company’s proposed desalination plant. Their message: You’re not welcome here.

That became clearer in October when the city and Marina Coast Water District sued the California Public Utilities Commission for its approval of Cal Am’s proposed desalination project, arguing the CPUC’s environmental review did not adequately account for the project’s potential impact on Marina’s groundwater – its only potable water supply.

The CPUC approval notwithstanding, Cal Am still needs Marina’s permission to build its project, and will seek a permit to do so from the Marina Planning Commission Feb. 14. If Cal Am’s application is denied – and it likely will be – Cal Am can appeal to Marina City Council, which is also expected to deny it.

If and when that happens, Cal Am would then appeal the decision to the California Coastal Commission. In 2014, despite protestations from Marina and others, the Coastal Commission unanimously approved Cal Am’s test slant well, overturning the decisions of the Marina City Council and Planning Commission.

Barring a court injunction, Cal Am vice president Ian Crooks says construction should start this fall.