Arcata’s City Council gave staff a clear direction Tuesday night on the future of the city’s wastewater treatment facility, moving ahead with Alternative One after hearing the final feasibility study and taking public comment.
According to the June 3 council agenda, the wastewater feasibility study was listed as old business and a formal decision item. Meeting materials identified the item as the final Arcata Wastewater Treatment Facility Feasibility Study.
Council’s direction, as described in the meeting summary, was to proceed with staff’s recommended Alternative One: augment the levee around the core treatment facility, adaptively manage the enhancement marshes, and continue planning for eventual retreat. The summary says the choice keeps phase-two wastewater planning moving under regional timelines tied to compliance requirements.
The decision comes as Arcata continues to plan for sea-level-rise impacts at the treatment plant and surrounding marsh areas. The feasibility study and staff presentation also addressed the city’s wastewater compliance obligations and future upgrade paths.
The June 3 meeting also included an update on the city’s 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan, which the council adopted.
