On this section of the site, we will be posting some of the most interesting and frequently asked questions from those we have received through the Ask Us section of this site, along with our answers.
It is our goal for this effort to correct, clarify and comment, as well as answer your questions as directly as we can.
Since this section is new, below are answers to a couple of questions we are asked frequently by members of the McCloud community to get us started. In the future we look forward to adding to this, so if you have a question about our proposed visit the Ask Us section of the site today and send us your question. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Q: What is the current status of the Nestlé Waters project proposal in McCloud?
A: Before the plant can be permitted the revised project proposal must undergo an environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). To support this environmental analysis NWNA has committed to two years of additional study of the watershed and surrounding habitat, which began in 2008. During that time, we will also be working with the County, the District, and the community to further define this project and to conduct any additional studies that are necessary to prepare a draft environmental impact report for the re-defined project. Once those studies are completed, the County’s CEQA process can move forward. Our expectation is that this permitting process will take a minimum of three years.
Q: What is the size and scope of the currently proposed Nestlé Waters project in McCloud?
A: Our proposed McCloud project envisions a bottling facility up to 350,000 square feet in size—more than 60 percent smaller than the original project proposal. This size bottling plant can accommodate up to four production lines at full build out. We propose to use a maximum of 600 acre-feet of water each year at this facility. This water use limitation is more than 60 percent smaller than the cap included in NWNA’s prior contract with the McCloud Community Services District.
Q: How many jobs will this proposed facility create?
A: Initially this facility will employ between 45 and 50 people and at full build out, a facility of this size can employ approximately 100 people. Every one of these jobs will pay wages in the top 50% of comparable wages in the region. In addition, NWNA offers a generous array of benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, 401(k) and profit sharing.
Q: How many trucks each day will go through the town as a result of this
project?
A: A facility of this size typically involves an average of 110 roundtrips daily and a maximum of 200 roundtrips daily. These trucks will travel to and from the plant on a private road on the outskirts of town and will not be permitted to drive through the middle of town. This alternate truck route was announced in October 2004 when we entered into an agreement to acquire a 60-foot easement connecting State Highway 89 to the old mill property. The easement would be improved and maintained by NWNA.
Q: Have you considered other modes of transportation, such as rail, as alternative to truck transport?
A: Yes, we are open to other forms of transportation that meet standards for environmental protection, cost-effectiveness, delivery time, and maintenance of product quality. We invite those interested in providing rail and other alternative transportation options to submit proposals to the company for consideration. |
