Public hearing considers forcing sewer connection for Hacienda Apartments after septic failures

Central Coast water board staff held a Spanish-language public meeting to gather testimony on options for addressing a failing septic system and elevated nitrate levels at the 24-unit Hacienda Apartments, including voluntary connection to the City of Soledad sewer system or, if negotiations stall, a state-directed consolidation.

The board’s presenter explained that on-site septic systems at Hacienda are failing and can contribute nitrates and bacteria to surface water and soil, creating public-health risks. "Estas aguas residuales ... pueden contribuir a ensucio de nitratos y bacteria," the presenter said. Staff reviewed prior work dating to 2019, feasibility studies in 2023–24 and RCAC’s community outreach and technical assistance role.

Staff said the preferred path is voluntary consolidation coordinated between property owners, the City of Soledad and Monterey County, combined with grant funding and low-interest financing where eligible. The presenter noted a statutory consolidation pathway discussed in the meeting (described in the presentation as a 2018 Senate bill) that creates financing and an authority to require consolidation when voluntary processes fail. Staff said the Central Coast water board sent a letter in January 2026 to extend negotiations for six months; if there is no progress after that extension, the board may issue an order requiring the city to provide sewer service to the site.

Residents, local officials and advocates urged action while raising different priorities. A resident speaker framed the issue as one of dignity and long-standing neglect, urging state and local agencies and legislators to develop a comprehensive solution for infrastructure and housing. "Las familias de California merecen dignidad," one resident said.

Evaristo Bañuelos, who identified himself during public comment, told the board: "La salud de la comunidad empieza con el agua," and said the city of Soledad wants continued coordination with owners and the county to support residents. County housing director Craig Spencer said the county supports residents but cautioned against a unilateral forced connection without ensuring property-condition improvements and coordination: he urged including housing rehabilitation or owner commitment in any consolidation plan.

Paul Hernández Sol, identifying himself as an executive director of a water-education organization, called consolidation an equity and public-health tool and urged investment to protect affordability. A written comment read into the record by Chris Lopez argued the state should not use public funds to fix private-owner negligence and asked the board to require evidence of the owner’s financial participation before committing public money.

Soledad’s public works director, Tom Welcome, described technical constraints and capacity: he said a reclamation facility has enough daily capacity and an existing high-pressure pipeline could be used but operation and pressure issues would need engineering review. Other city and county speakers stressed the site lies within Monterey County jurisdiction for housing standards and that some speakers worry connecting sewer service without addressing deteriorated housing could leave residents worse off.

Staff emphasized that financing steps include environmental and community documents for a construction grant, and that a technical-assistance grant is already authorized. Staff also said voluntary consolidations may access low-interest financing and can be combined with other sources; the presentation referenced an indicated loan amount in the slides (noted during the meeting as "up to 10,000" in the transcript) but did not provide a complete funding breakdown during the hearing.

The board opened the record for written comments and set a public-comment deadline of June 15. Staff said they will continue coordinating with project partners, RCAC and county and city officials to identify specific project elements and next steps. No formal vote or board action was recorded at the meeting.

The meeting closed after hearing public testimony and reiterating next steps and how to submit written comments.