Laguna Beach — The City Council adopted the city’s first comprehensive wastewater master plan, which identifies an estimated $109.6 million in capital needs over near-, mid- and long-term horizons and lays out a prioritized capital program focused on pipeline lining, manhole rehabilitation and lift station upgrades.

Public works director Mark Bagvoi and consultant Dudek described condition assessments and hydraulic modeling showing limited capacity constraints but substantial condition-driven needs. The plan recommends rehabilitation of nearly six miles of pipeline through cured-in-place lining and targeted repairs, rehabilitation of about 165 manholes identified as high risk, and reconstruction or targeted upgrades for lift stations, including full reconstruction of three coastal lift stations (McKnight, Brooks and Thousand Steps) (presentation SEG 4660–4712).

The plan totals roughly $109.6 million: near-term projects (next five years) are about $39–40 million; midterm projects about $60 million; and the long-term bucket just under $10 million. Staff emphasized that adoption of the master plan does not itself change wastewater rates; a separate rate study will be completed in time for any rate adjustments by June 30, 2026. Council adopted the plan and made the CEQA finding that adoption of the plan is not a project under CEQA.