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Residents press Paradise council after two sites named for sewer project EIR
Summary
Town staff said $116 million is secured for an initial phase of the Paradise Sewer Project and announced two sites for environmental analysis; many nearby residents voiced strong opposition to the Crossroads and other locations during public comment, citing wells, creeks, odors and property values.
Town staff told the Paradise Town Council that the municipality has secured roughly $116 million for early phases of a proposed sewer project and has identified two sites for analysis in a subsequent environmental impact report (EIR): a Skyway site near Media Way and a Skyway site near the Crossroads. The announcement prompted extended public comment from residents who said they only learned of the Crossroads proposal shortly before the meeting and objected to that location.
Mark, the town engineer, said the funding will support a treatment facility and collection system design and that the EIR will analyze the two candidate sites plus the no-project alternative with a 45-day public comment period when the draft is released. "We have a $116,000,000 secured for the Paradise Sewer project," he said, and said public workshops will follow the draft EIR to allow the town to consider impacts and feedback.
Multiple speakers described concerns about proximity to creeks and private wells, negative effects on property values, and the visual impact of a treatment pond at a major town entry. Jill Eisenbarth said she learned of the Crossroads site the same day and described family use of a nearby creek. Matt Miller and other neighbors said they oppose that location and urged the council to consider other options, including reuse of alternate sites discussed previously.
Staff emphasized that the EIR process is designed to study environmental impacts (including soils, cultural resources and odor), and the public's feedback will be included in the environmental review. The town noted it is required by CEQA to analyze multiple sites and compare impacts against a no-project alternative; staff also highlighted ongoing tribal consultations and that the EIR will be available for a 45-day public-review window when completed.
Council did not make a site selection tonight; staff said more public engagement is planned when the administrative draft EIR is released. Residents were advised to be clear in comments whether they oppose a specific site (Site 1, Site 2) or the project overall so the town can collect precise feedback.
