Environmental Review

The Project is tentatively scheduled to enter the state environmental analysis phase for the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in spring 2026 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 that is anticipated to be released for public review and comment in late spring 2026. Following approval of the Final Subsequent PEIR later in 2026, the Town will prepare environmental documents to comply with NEPA (Federal Funding Nexus) in late 2026/early 2027.

Click on the to see additional details for each step.

  • Tribal notifications initiated through AB52
  • Advertisements placed in Paradise Post and Chico Enterprise Record notifying public of environmental process kick-off and initiation of environmental document development
  • News release distributed to local and regional publications
  • Social media posts and advertisements on Facebook and Instagram
  • Council meeting recordings posted on YouTube
  • Electronic notifications distributed by the Town

  • Allowed interested public to provide input into the Project and environmental scope of Regionalized Sewer System
  • Provided convenient participation in a safe environment while social distancing via two virtual public meetings held in May 2021 to share information and seek input

  • Development of Draft PEIR highlighting results of alternatives analysis, environmental impacts and identification of mitigation measures for Regionalized Sewer System

  • Notice of Availability (NOA) of Draft PEIR placed in Paradise Post and Chico Enterprise Record
  • News release distributed to local and regional publications.
  • Draft PEIR for Regionalized Sewer System circulated electronically via Project website, housed at key community repositories and distributed to partner agencies for review and submission of comments within formal public comment period
  • Two in-person public meetings held to share Draft PEIR and seek formal input through several mediums including, but not limited to, letters, emails, website submission and comment cards
  • In-person public meetings complimented by online “virtual room” available for review during 45-day public comment period
  • Social media posts and advertisements on Facebook and Instagram
  • Council meeting recordings posted on YouTube
  • Electronic notifications distributed by the Town

  • Prepared and certified Final PEIR
  • Comments received during Public Comment Period were included and addressed within Final PEIR

NEPA: Federal Funding Nexus

  • Prepared Final PEIR to comply with NEPA (Federal Funding Nexus)
  • Conclusion of Consultation with State Historic Preservation Act

NEPA: NEPA Finding of No Significant Impact

  • Provided formal notification in local/regional newspapers of Final PEIR availability and review
  • Held public hearing to allow Lead Agency to hear public testimony and take action on Final PEIR
     

  • Complete necessary environmental clearances to Complete Subsurface Investigations to Support Design and Draft Subsequent PEIR
  • Complete Subsurface Investigations
  • Complete necessary field studies and tribal negotiations to support Subsequent PEIR
  • Draft Subsequent PEIR Public Review Period and Meetings
  • Develop Final Subsequent PEIR with Responses to Public Comments along with decision documentation
  • Town Council Meeting to Certify Final Subsequent PEIR
  • Prepare Final Subsequent PEIR to comply with the NEPA (Federal Funding Nexus)
  • Conclusion of Consultation with State Historic Preservation Act
  • Secure Necessary Permits to Initiate Construction of Proposed WWTF and Phase I of Core Collection System
  • Complete Necessary Right-of-Way Acquisitions
  • 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.