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City’s wastewater compliance under settlement talks with State and Regional Water Boards, special counsel says
Summary
Special counsel reported that the State Water Resources Control Board invited settlement negotiations over alleged noncompliance with Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board orders; the city has engaged in discussions and is tracking regulatory reports.
Special counsel Michelle Chester told the Island City Council on April 15 that the State Water Resources Control Board sent the city a letter in December 2024 inviting settlement negotiations over alleged violations of Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board administrative orders, and that the city agreed to engage in confidential settlement talks.
Chester said the letter "elevated the matter further" and created a forum for the city, the regional board and the State Water Board to discuss concerns about the city’s secondary and tertiary wastewater treatment facilities. She said she has had "quick and helpful responses" from the city manager and the facility operator and that ongoing tracking of required regulatory reports is part of the city’s response.
Why it matters: the city's wastewater permits and compliance affect local environmental and public-health obligations; settlement negotiations could lead to mandated actions, reporting, or timelines affecting operations and capital planning.
Details Chester provided Chester described the city's earlier discussions with the regional board and said that since the State Water Board's letter the city has met with the boards' representatives — including an initial meeting in mid-February — and that she has a direct line to State Water Board attorneys familiar with the matter. She said confidentiality for settlement negotiations serves several purposes but limited her public update to general status rather than detailed negotiations.
Public questions raised Public commenters asked whether a referenced million-gallon transfer to Lake 1 (reported by one speaker) was part of the board's concerns. Chester said she did not recall that specific phrasing in the enforcement letter but said that any existing board orders that limit discharges or require permitting would be part of negotiations with the regional board.
What council said and next steps Chester said she will "continue to participate in the settlement negotiations and provide updates as needed to the council." No enforcement deadlines or settlement terms were disclosed publicly at the meeting.
Ending note Council and special counsel emphasized tracking regulatory report deadlines and coordinating with facility operators and consultants; no binding public action or timetable for settlement was announced.
