E2Eden Program Development

Engineering 2 Eden (E2Eden) is a strategic initiative to address the rapid decline of the Salton Sea through a tunneling approach. Leveraging recent innovations in high-speed tunnel boring technology, the program aims to create a "living sea" by importing fresh seawater and exporting high salt content brines. The planning efforts focused on a domestic Pacific-to-Salton route to bypass the political complexities traditionally associated with trans-Mexico water projects. This potentially increases the available water for locations upriver on the Colorado River.

Planning & Regulatory Milestones

The project has moved through feasibility review to determine its technical and political viability:

• State Level (UCSC Expert Panel Study): A three-year, $3 million study funded by the State of California evaluated various restoration submissions. The E2Eden domestic route was identified as the only technically feasible option among the submissions, though it was noted as politically challenging due to California’s current regulatory environment.