Chester Public Utility District Wastewater Collection System Project
Summary
SCH Number
2026091191
Public Agency
Chester Public Utility District
(CPUD)
Document Title
Chester Public Utility District Wastewater Collection System Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
9/28/2026
Document Description
The Chester Public Utility District (CPUD or District) provides drinking water service and wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal services to the unincorporated community of Chester in Plumas County, California. The District currently serves approximately 2,187 residents with 1,255 wastewater connections. The District treats the community’s collected wastewater at the existing Wastewater Treatment Plant, a facultative lagoon facility constructed in 1981.
The purpose of the project is to replace aging and undersized sewer lines and reduce infiltration and inflow into the collection system. The project includes replacing and upsizing existing sewer mains and laterals. If possible, the District will install cured-in-place (CIPP) liners to rehabilitate the existing sewer mains. In addition, improvements to each of the four lift stations will be made. Existing pumps, motors, and electrical components would be replaced, and new supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system equipment and a new emergency backup generator would be installed adjacent to each lift station.
The District is also considering abandoning the existing siphon that runs under the North Fork of the Feather River and constructing a new lift station and force main to convey the sewage from the siphon; the new force main would be attached to the 1st Avenue bridge over the river and tie into an existing force main on 1st Avenue. Therefore, no in-water work would be required. Improvements associated with the new lift station include construction of a small structure to house pumps, motors, and electrical and SCADA system equipment, and installation of a new emergency backup generator adjacent to the structure. An antenna for the SCADA system would be mounted on the new lift station structure. Additionally, subsurface electrical conduit would be extended to the new lift station from an existing line in Melissa Avenue.
Alternatively, a CIPP liner would be installed in the existing siphon in lieu of constructing a new lift station and force main.
Contact Information
Name
Bonnie Mullaney
Agency Name
Chester Public Utility District
Job Title
General Manager
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Name
Kelley Cote
Agency Name
Chester Public Utility District
Job Title
Administrative Assistant
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Chester (Unincorporated)
Counties
Plumas
Regions
Northern California, Unincorporated
Cross Streets
Highway 36/Main St
Zip
96020
Parcel #
100-071-007
State Highways
State Highway 36
Airports
Rogers Field (Chester Airport)
Schools
Chester Elementary School, Chester Junior/Senior High School
Waterways
Feather River, Unnamed streams
Township
28N
Range
07E
Base
MDM
Other Location Info
Section 5, 6, 7, & 8; Other cross streets include Settlers Rd, Lassen St, Gay St, Feather River Dr, E Willow St, Plumas St, Melissa Ave, Willow Way, Myrtle St, Aspen St, 3rd St, 1st Ave, 2nd Ave, 4th Ave, Reynolds Rd, Cedar St, Maywood Dr, Riverwood Dr, Inglewood Dr, Brentwood Dr, 1st St, Farrar Dr, Richardson Way
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 6, Chapter 3: Class 1, §15301, Class 2, §15302, & Class 3, §15303
Reasons for Exemption
Class 1 covers the repair, maintenance, or minor alteration of existing publicly owned utilities used to provide public utility services involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former use. Class 2 covers the replacement or reconstruction of existing utility systems and/or facilities involving negligible or no expansion of capacity. Class 3 covers the construction of new, small facilities or structures and the installation of small new equipment and facilities in small structures.
The project is consistent with the exemptions noted above because work would consist of replacement and rehabilitation of existing sewer lines, mains, and laterals; improvements to the existing lift stations, and construction of a new lift station. No mature trees would be removed, and no expansion of the District’s sewer system would occur.
As documented in Attachment A, the proposed project would not have a significant effect on the environment due to unusual circumstances; would not result in damage to scenic resources within a scenic highway; is not located on a hazardous waste site pursuant to §65962.5 of the Government Code; would not cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource; and would not result in cumulative impacts.
County Clerk
Plumas
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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