Loleta Wastewater Treatment Upgrade: New UV Disinfection System Proposed After October Environmental Review

LOLETA, Humboldt County — October 28, 2026. A proposed overhaul of Loleta’s wastewater system would replace aging treatment equipment, use ultraviolet disinfection in place of chlorine gas and change the way treated water is discharged. The Loleta Community Services District (LCSD) circulated a Draft Initial Study and Proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration dated September 23, 2026 for its Wastewater Treatment Facility and Effluent Disposal Improvement Project.

What are the planned upgrades?

The district says the existing treatment and disposal process cannot meet certain current and future effluent limits under its wastewater discharge permit. Its proposed project includes purchasing or adjusting land around the plant, constructing a new wastewater treatment facility, rehabilitating a discharge pipeline and providing for agricultural irrigation with treated water instead of the present surface-water discharge arrangement.

The draft describes a mechanical screening system, extended-aeration secondary treatment, UV disinfection and a sludge dewatering press. The press is intended to reduce dependence on a third party for hauling and processing sludge, while the UV system would change the chemical disinfection approach. These are design proposals, not claims that a new treatment plant is already in service.

How would flood risk be addressed?

The notice proposes that all new treatment structures be elevated or floodproofed to at least one foot above the 100-year base flood elevation. A concrete retaining wall would be built along the western edge of the new plant. It also identifies a lot-line adjustment and potential amendment to the local coastal plan and zoning classification that could require separate governmental review.

Has public comment closed?

The public environmental-comment period listed in the district’s notice ran from September 23 through October 24, 2026, at 5 p.m. That deadline has now passed. The draft documents remain useful for understanding the proposal, but this article does not announce a new comment period, final environmental adoption or construction approval.

How to see the documents

The official notice lists the district’s office at 358 Main Street, Loleta, CA 95551, phone (707) 733-1717. The environmental filing is also associated with State Clearinghouse record 2026091008.

Official sources: Loleta Community Services District — September 23 Notice of Availability; California State Clearinghouse environmental record. Verified October 28, 2026.

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