Tehachapi News

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The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) wants to expand California Correctional Institution (CCI) in Tehachapi. They want, “..development of a 2,200 bed Infill Housing and Program Facility” CCI is overcrowded, but the CDCR's not giving us a clear picture of the current situation or the impact this expansion will have on our environment.

CDCR’s official Meeting Notice says, “..all existing permanent beds and non-traditional beds at CCI would remain occupied indefinitely, and the 2,200 new beds (maximum capacity) would also be fully utilized.” According to CDCR, that’s a “worst case” scenario.

What about the additional sewage generates? CCI’s present treatment plant produces incompletely treated effluent with high nitrate levels. This is sprayed onto the Cummings Valley floor. A new tertiary plant is supposedly out for bid, but will it be adequate?

What about CCI’s MTBE plume (case #5T15000320) that's contaminating our groundwater? In January the state listed the contamination level at greater than 100,000 parts per billion. Is it still spreading through the Cummings Valley aquifer?
CCI had 12 water wells. They can now only use two because of groundwater contamination from CCI. Is this the future of our water?

What impact will more inmate families have on local schools, social programs, transportation, water, sewage, etc?

What will this do to our already limited electrical supply systems?

Will they widen SR202 and add signals at intersections to accommodate 830 additional vehicles driving in and out of CCI daily?

The CVPA believes the quality of life for all of Tehachapi is in the balance. We encourage everyone to attend the CDCR's public meeting at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, April 14 at the Stallion Springs CSD, 27850 Stallion Springs Drive to present your questions to the CDCR.

— Cummings Valley Protective
Association, Board of Directors