Environmental Review

The Project will soon enter the state environmental analysis phase for the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) with the Town of Paradise as the CEQA lead agency. Following this analysis, the Project will begin the federal environmental analysis phase for the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The environmental analyses will review a wide range of resource areas to identify potential environmental impacts and mitigation measures, which will be considered for approval to move the Project forward.

CEQA/NEPA Process

On Nov. 7, 2022, the Town Council approved the Final Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) for a regionalized sewer system. In August 2025, the Town decided to change the Project’s scope of analysis to a Local Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF), which initiated development of a Draft Subsequent PEIR. Following approval of the Final Subsequent PEIR, the Town will prepare environmental documents to comply with NEPA (Federal Funding Nexus).

Click on the to see additional details for each step.

  • Notice of Preparation (NOP) of EIR (May 3, 2021) 
  • Draft PEIR 45-Day Circulation for Public/Agency Review & Comment – Public Meetings (July 14 - Aug. 29, 2022) 
  • Town of Paradise Decision/Notice of Determination – Public Hearing (Nov. 7, 2022)

  • Complete Subsurface Investigations to support design 
  • Conduct ongoing field studies and tribal negotiations  
  • Develop Subsequent PEIR  
  • Draft Subsequent PEIR Public Review Period and Meetings – Anticipated in Winter 2027 
  • Conclusion of Consultation with State Historic Preservation Act 
  • Develop Final Subsequent PEIR with responses to public comments along with decision documentation 
  • Certify Final Subsequent PEIR at Town Council Meeting 
  • Develop NEPA package for federal funding requirements 
  • Secure necessary permits to initiate construction of proposed WWTF and Phase I of Core Collection System 
  • Complete necessary right-of-way acquisitions, annexation and sphere of influence alternations, as necessary 
  • Initiate Site Preparation and Construction 

Environmental Activities

Key activities during environmental planning include coordination with regulatory agencies including, but not limited to:

  • Environmental Data Collection and Field Surveys
  • Preparation of Environmental Technical Studies
  • Development of Draft Subsequent PEIR
  • Public review of Draft Subsequent PEIR
  • Response to Public Comments in the Final Subsequent PEIR
  • Preparation of Final Subsequent PEIR

Community stakeholders and the general public play a key role in the Project’s planning process through ongoing participation, and by providing timely and formal input at critical public comment periods during the environmental process. This valuable engagement helps identify and address key concerns, issues and potential impacts to develop a Project that best meets the needs of the community.

To view past environmental documents and notifications, visit the Resources page and click on the Environmental Review tab.