BLM Clears Path for Cadiz Northern Pipeline Water Conversion

The approval, issued under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, permits Cadiz to repurpose the infrastructure acquired from El Paso Natural Gas in 2020. By transitioning the buried steel pipeline to carry water from the Mojave Groundwater Bank, the company aims to provide a low-cost supply source to San Bernardino County. The permit grants authorization for 50 years, covering the projected operational life of the line, and includes provisions for the construction of necessary pump stations.

Susan Kennedy, Chair and CEO of Cadiz, described the decision as a pivotal milestone for the project, which has undergone years of environmental and planning reviews. The company expects the pipeline to transport up to 25,000 acre-feet of water annually once operational, with capacity for future expansion. With offtake agreements and construction contracts already in place, Cadiz is now finalizing financing with prospective investors to move into the active build phase.