Residents press Grover Beach to formally review Pismo Beach wastewater plan as regional water study advances

Several residents asked the Grover Beach City Council on Oct. 14 to publicly consider a proposed Pismo Beach wastewater project and disclose related financial details.

"Yes, this is Donna de la Rosa and I'm just calling to once again request a discussion of the Pismo wastewater project to be placed on the agenda," said Donna de la Rosa, a caller who said residents met with Pismo's city manager and wanted Grover Beach officials to discuss outstanding questions. Other public commenters raised similar concerns at the podium, asking whether Grover Beach must give approvals and how reimbursements were handled.

The concern centers on a proposed wastewater plan involving Pismo Beach that residents say could affect Grover Beach property and operations. Brenda Auer, a local resident and business owner, said a recent meeting with Pismo officials suggested sewage from Pismo would return to Grover Beach and that residents wanted details about money paid to Grover Beach and zoning changes tied to the project.

At the same meeting, Charles Varney urged the council to pursue coordinated regional planning for water security. Varney referenced a 2017 Coastal Commission mandate requiring the South County Sanitation District to study relocation and long-term options, including full-scale tertiary treatment. "That is millions of gallons every day of new water for our communities," Varney said, describing potential uses for treated water including municipal supply and groundwater recharge.

City staff later told the council they are coordinating with Pismo Beach on community outreach and plan to schedule a site-focused meeting for area residents, likely in mid-November. The city manager said staff is working with Pismo to coordinate a community meeting and will bring an update to the council by the end of the calendar year.

What the council did: Council did not take formal action on the Pismo project at the Oct. 14 meeting. Several council members said they would like more information and public engagement before any decision. The city manager said staff would coordinate a community meeting and bring a briefing to council.

Why it matters: The project raises questions about interjurisdictional wastewater management, land use and long-term water supply. If South County Sanitation District proceeds with relocation and improved treatment, the region could gain treated reuse water for local uses; conversely, residents directly adjacent to proposed facilities expressed concern about siting and neighborhood impacts.

What remains unclear: Residents asked how much Grover Beach received if Pismo reimbursed the city for property and how those funds have been used. Multiple speakers said those amounts were "not specified" and asked the city to publish the accounting.

Next steps: Staff said more information and a community meeting are coming; councilmembers asked staff to add information to upcoming reports and to bring the item back for deliberation after the outreach meeting.