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 The GREAT Program includes construction of a new regional groundwater desalination facility (Regional Desalter) to treat the slightly salty (i.e., brackish) groundwater for potable water service to the City and Port Hueneme Water Agency. The Regional Desalter will treat this brackish groundwater with a membrane filtration technology known as "reverse osmosis," or "RO". RO produces two types of water: a "permeate" and a "membrane concentrate." Permeate is the high-quality water produced through the removal of salts and, after further treatment, is intended for potable use. Membrane concentrate is the portion that contains the concentrated salts - this portion typically requires disposal. Currently, membrane concentrate, along with other salty liquids, or "brines," are disposed in the Oxnard Wastewater Treatment Plant (OWTP) ocean outfall. Development of a beneficial reuse for the membrane concentrate, such as the restoration of coastal wetlands in the Ormond Beach area, is highly desirable, as it would provide an environmental benefit while reducing the amount of material disposed through the OWTP outfall.
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