Paradise council hears recommendation for hybrid gravity–STEP sewer, land-discharge ponds for Phase 1

Paradise Town Council on July 10 received an informational update on the Paradise Sewer Project in which staff and an ad hoc committee recommended pursuing a hybrid collection system—gravity trunk mains along major corridors paired with individual on-site STEP (septic tank effluent pump) connections in low-lying neighborhoods—and using land-application/percolation-evaporation ponds for Phase 1 disposal.

The ad hoc committee presented alternatives analysis, cost estimates and a funding summary and recommended two main treatment options for further study: an aerated-lagoon (pond) system and a membrane bioreactor (MBR). Mark Maddox, the town's public works director and town engineer, told the council the presentation was informational and that "no formal action is being recommended taking tonight," and that staff expects to return Aug. 14 with a recommendation for council direction.

Why it matters: the sewer project is a linchpin for Paradise's recovery after the 2018 Camp Fire and for attracting businesses and housing to downtown. The town has limited disaster-recovery and grant funding available now; staff warned delays could reduce the ability to use congressional and CDBG-DR funds. "This is a critical moment," Maddox said, noting a mix of secured and probable funds but a remaining funding gap.

What the ad hoc committee recommended and why: Lisonbee McReynolds, the HDR lead on the project, summarized technical work that examined full-gravity, full-STEP (low-pressure) and hybrid systems. The hybrid concept would place shallower gravity mains down Skyway, Clark and Pearson corridors and allow some properties to connect via on-site STEP pumps where mains must be shallow due to existing utilities or topography. "A hybrid…