HomeMy WebLinkAboutChapter 06 - Public Facilities and UtilitiesChapter 6: Public Facilities and Utilities
Final Draft August 8, 2005
Butte County General Plan Background Report
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CHAPTER 6: PUBLIC FACILITIES AND UTILITIES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
6.1 INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................................................3
6.2 UTILITY SERVICE COMPANIES ....................................................................................................................3
ELECTRICAL SERVICE ................................................................................................................................................3
TELEPHONE SERVICE .................................................................................................................................................3
6.3 COMMUNITY WATER SYSTEMS...................................................................................................................4
6.4 PUBLIC AND COMMUNITY WASTEWATER SYSTEMS...........................................................................7
OVERVIEW OF EXISTING COMMUNITY WASTEWATER SYSTEMS ...............................................................................7
Stirling City (County Service Area No. 82...........................................................................................................9
Skansen Subdivision (County Service Area 21) ...................................................................................................9
City of Biggs.........................................................................................................................................................9
City of Chico Regional.......................................................................................................................................10
City of Chico Airport..........................................................................................................................................10
City of Gridley....................................................................................................................................................10
Oroville (Sewage Commission Oroville Region) ...............................................................................................10
Other..................................................................................................................................................................11
OVERVIEW OF COUNTY SERVICE AREAS .................................................................................................................11
6.5 ON-SITE SEWAGE SYSTEMS.........................................................................................................................12
AVAILABLE DESIGNS ...............................................................................................................................................16
EXISTING COUNTY ON-SITE SEWAGE SYSTEM REGULATIONS .................................................................................16
PLANNED, PROPOSED, AND REQUIRED FUTURE CHANGES AND POTENTIAL IMPACTS .............................................17
Assembly Bill 885...............................................................................................................................................17
Chico Urban Area Nitrate Compliance Plan.....................................................................................................18
Watershed Protection Zones..............................................................................................................................19
Areas of Future Concern....................................................................................................................................19
Existing On Site Sewage Systems Appraisal Summary......................................................................................20
6.6 BUTTE COUNTY SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT....................................................................................20
WASTE STREAM ASSESSMENT .................................................................................................................................21
Current Waste Stream........................................................................................................................................21
Analysis of the Future Waste Stream .................................................................................................................22
COLLECTION AND TRANSFER...................................................................................................................................22
Collection of Municipal Solid Waste..................................................................................................................22
Transfer Stations................................................................................................................................................23
SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL .........................................................................................................................................24
Solid Waste Disposal Sites.................................................................................................................................24
Regulatory Approval and Compliance...............................................................................................................24
Leachate Control................................................................................................................................................25
Capacity.............................................................................................................................................................25
Closure and Post-Closure Maintenance............................................................................................................25
SPECIAL WASTES.....................................................................................................................................................26
Current Special Waste Management..................................................................................................................26
Household Hazardous Waste.............................................................................................................................26
Construction/Demolition Waste.........................................................................................................................26
Infectious Waste.................................................................................................................................................26
Used Oil.............................................................................................................................................................27
Chapter 6: Public Facilities and Utilities
Final Draft August 8, 2005
Butte County General Plan Background Report
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Tires...................................................................................................................................................................27
Public Education and involvement.....................................................................................................................27
FINANCING AND REVENUES .....................................................................................................................................27
Multi-Jurisdictional Factors..............................................................................................................................27
Operating Revenue.............................................................................................................................................28
Capital Financing..............................................................................................................................................28
Overall Solid Waste Assessment ........................................................................................................................29
6.7 SOURCE DIVERSION AND REDUCTION....................................................................................................29
SOURCE REDUCTION................................................................................................................................................29
Education and Research ....................................................................................................................................29
RECYCLING..............................................................................................................................................................30
Existing Recycling Programs.............................................................................................................................30
Planned Programs.............................................................................................................................................30
Materials Recovery Facility (MRF)...................................................................................................................30
COMPOSTING ...........................................................................................................................................................31
Existing Composting Programs .........................................................................................................................31
Composting Objectives ......................................................................................................................................31
SOLID WASTE COMBUSTION....................................................................................................................................31
Existing Combustion Activities ..........................................................................................................................31
ENERGY MARKETS ..................................................................................................................................................31
LIST OF TABLES
TABLE 6-1 PLANNED WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS .................................................................................................5
TABLE 6-2 WATER SYSTEMS SUMMARY ........................................................................................................................6
TABLE 6-3 COMMUNITY WASTEWATER TREATMENT METHODS BY COMMUNITY .........................................................9
TABLE 6-4 PLANNED COMMUNITY WASTEWATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS ...............................................................10
TABLE 6-5 SUMMARY OF WASTEWATER-RELATED COUNTY SERVICE AREAS (CSA) BUTTE COUNTY .......................12
TABLE 6-6 TONS OF SOLID WASTE GENERATED BY JURISDICTION, 2000...................................................................21
TABLE 6-7 PROJECTED COUNTYWIDE WASTE GENERATION: 2002-2030.....................................................................22
TABLE 6-8 SOLID WASTE HAULERS BUTTE COUNTY ...................................................................................................23
TABLE 6-9 BUTTE COUNTY LANDFILL AND TRANSFER STATION FEES ........................................................................28
LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE 6-1: WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS ..........................................................................................................8
FIGURE 6-2: CHICO URBAN AREA NITRATE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM ..........................................................................15
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6.1 INTRODUCTION
Butte County provides a wide range of public services to its residents that are crucial to the
quality of life here. These services include community water systems, public wastewater
systems, on-site sewage systems, solid waste management, and utilities. This section describes
these services and evaluates their present and future.
6.2 UTILITY SERVICE COMPANIES
All of the electricity and phone service in the county are provided by large private companies.
There are two exceptions. The City of Biggs and the City of Gridley both operate their own
electric utility services. These are two of the twelve city-owned utility systems in rural counties
in California. Under an agreement with PG&E, they provide service only to specific service
areas in unincorporated areas, and they cannot provide electrical service to additional customers
in unincorporated areas. Any customer who wants to tie into the municipal utility must be first
annexed by the city.
Electrical Service
Most of the electrical service in the county is carried through above-ground lines. This is
beginning to change, however, as many new developments have started to run lines underground.
Public Utility Commission Rule 28 mandates an annual allocation from PG&E to fund an
ongoing program to place service lines throughout the county underground.
Butte County is crossed and served by two general types of transmission lines: a 500 kV line that
is part of the Pacific Intertie System and the 60-230 kV lines that serve the specific needs in the
county. The 500 kV consists of four transmission lines that cross the county from north to south.
These four lines appear as a unified structure that runs through a wide right-of-way to a major
substation at Table Mountain. The other lines conduct electricity from the 500 kV lines and local
substations to serve the users in the county. The siting of transmission lines is evaluated on a
case-by-case basis as there are no designated transmission line corridors identified in the county.
Telephone Service
Pacific Bell provides telephone service for the entire county. The main office is located in Chico,
with district offices in Oroville, Paradise, Paradise Pines, and Biggs.
At present, most of the Pacific Bell service lines within the county are above ground.
Underground service has become more common for new development projects, however, and
each project is evaluated to determine the economic feasibility of underground service. Pacific
Bell participates in a joint undergrounding program with PG&E and has been incrementally
placing service lines underground in designated areas of the county.
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6.3 COMMUNITY WATER SYSTEMS
This section describes the existing conditions of public water systems throughout Butte County.
These are the public water systems and irrigation districts in Butte County.
• City of Biggs
• Cal Water Service Company (Chico)
• Cal Water Service Company (Oroville)
• Del Oro Water Company (Lime Saddle)
• Del Oro Water Company (Paradise Pines)
• Del Oro Water Company (Stirling City)
• Western Canal Water District
• Richvale Irrigation District
• Table Mountain Irrigation District
• Buzztail Community Service District
• Berry Creek Community Service District
• Biggs-West Gridley Water District
• Butte Water
• Lake Madrone Water
• Durham Irrigation District
• City of Gridley
• Oroville Wyandotte Irrigation District (Bangor)
• Oroville Wyandotte Irrigation District (Miners Ranch)
• Paradise Irrigation District
• Thermalito Irrigation District
Table 6-1 summarizes county water systems, including descriptions of the planned, proposed, or
required improvements for each of the systems. Five of the systems summarized below use
surface water, five use groundwater, and one uses both. These systems served 159,160 county
residents and delivered over 14 million gallons of water to the residential, commercial, industrial,
and agricultural users in 1990. Approximately 25 million gallons of storage capacity is currently
available to the distributing systems. Chlorination is the primary method of disinfection for both
groundwater and surface water systems (Table 6-2). Water providers in the county are supplied
by both surface sources and groundwater from wells. As of 1990, 159,160 county residents were
delivered more than 14 million gallons of water through water providers for residential,
commercial, industrial, and agricultural needs.
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Butte County General Plan Background Report
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TABLE 6-1
PLANNED WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS
Water System Planned, Proposed or Required Improvement
Berry Creek Community
Service District
No growth or projects planned. Water provided by well. Treated with chlorine as needed. Have one
90,000 gallon tank. Serves approximately 100 residents. Delivers approximately 1,500 gallons per
hour.
Biggs-West Gridley
Water District
Irrigation purposes only. No plans for improvements. Surface water from Feather River (pre-1914
water rights; 1967 agreement with State). Expansion of conveyance system to 750 cubic feet per
second (cfs).
Butte Water Irrigation purposes only. (Share water rights with Biggs-West Gridley Water District and Richvale
Irrigation District)
Buzztail Community
Service District Installing a 60,000 gallon holding tank. Expecting two new residential connections for a total of 14.
Cal Water - Chico Adding more wells and upgrades of existing well stations as more land is annexed within District
boundary. No significant planned projects.
Cal Water - Oroville No significant planned improvements.
City of Biggs Implementation of water meters on all new connections; accelerated main line replacement program.
City of Gridley Continued 20 main line replacement program. Additional wells and main replacement.
Dayton Mutual Water
Company N/A
Del Oro - Lime Saddle Construction of water treatment plant and transmission line to Lake Oroville.
Del Oro - Paradise No significant planned improvements.
Del Oro - Stirling City No planned improvements. No improvements needed.
Durham Irrigation
District
Additional wells will be drilled to serve additional development; beginning or supplemental to look
into alternate surface water supply.
Durham Mutual Water
Company N/A
Lake Madrone Water Installed a 100-gallon water tank which now brings district storage capacity to 145,000 gallons.
Oroville-Wyandotte
Irrigation District Pipeline replacement program for urban water deliveries.
Paradise Irrigation
District Accelerated pipeline replacement program.
Richvale Irrigation
District
Receives 149,000 ac. ft. of water annually. May expand water distribution to the period between
November and January.
Table Mountain
Irrigation District Irrigation purposes only - no residents served. Approximately 325,850 gallons per year.
Thermalito Irrigation
District
Continued main line replacement program, addition of sedimentation basins. Water treatment plant
needs replacement in 6 to 8 years.
Western Canal Irrigation purposes only - no residents served. No improvements necessary. Approximately 260,000
acre feet per year.
Sources: DHS file information; DHS staff interviews, County staff interviews and files, system managers and operators, August 1995 and 1998,
2000, and 2001; Urban Water Management reports collected in 2003.
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Butte County General Plan Background Report
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TABLE 6-2
WATER SYSTEMS SUMMARY
Water Purveyor Resident
Population
Annual
Delivery Source/s of Water Treatment Practices and
Capacities
Storage
Available
(in millions
of gallons)
Biggs-West
Gridley Water
District
N/A 161 TAF Surface N/A 0
Cal Water Service
- Chico 80,000 25.4 TAF 63 active deep wells All wells are chlorinated 1.375
Cal Water Service
Co. - Oroville 9,620 4.85 TAF
4 wells, west branch of
Feather River, Wilenor
Reservoir
Full treatment of surface
water/ 6,300 gpm/
fluoridation of wells
7.2
City of Biggs 1,603 212 2 wells Chlorination 0.04
City of Gridley 4,869 497 4 deep wells Fluoridate all wells and
chlorinate two 0.30
Dayton Mutual
Water Co.N/A N/A Butte Creek and West
Branch of Feather River N/A N/A
Del Oro Water
Co. - Lime Saddle 706 37
Two wells plus Paradise
Irrigation District surface
water
Chlorination/soon full
treatment at a treatment plant 0.22
Del Oro Water
Co. – Magalia
258
connections N/A
Two wells plus Paradise
Irrigation District surface
water
N/A 0
Del Oro Water
Co. - Paradise
Pines
9,189 430 5 wells plus surface water
from Stirling Bluffs District None 1.24
Del Oro Water
Co. – Stirling
Bluffs
N/A N/A Hendrick Canal N/A 0
Durham Irrigation
District 1,500 345 acre-feet 4 wells None .005
Durham Mutual
Water Co.N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Oroville -
Wyandotte
Irrigation District
17,000 27 TAF South Fork Feather River,
Yuba River
14.5 million gallons treated
per day (MGD)6.56
Paradise Irrigation
District 25,772 8,200 TAF Little Butte Creek and wells Full treatment at treatment
plant/22.8 MGD 3.9
Richvale
Irrigation District N/A N/A
Surface water from Little
Dry Creek, Thermalito
Afterbay, supplemented
with groundwater during
rice field flooding.
N/A N/A
Thermalito
Irrigation District 9,400 2,800 TAF Concow Dam releases and
five back-up wells
Treatment Plant and well
chlorination/9.5 MGD 3.00
Sources: DHS file information; DHS staff interviews, County staff interviews and files, system managers and operators, August 1995 and 1998,
2000, and 2001; Urban Water Management reports collected in 2003. TAF = thousand acre-feet. Annual delivery in acre-feet unless otherwise
specified.
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Final Draft August 8, 2005
Butte County General Plan Background Report
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6.4 PUBLIC AND COMMUNITY WASTEWATER SYSTEMS
Community wastewater systems are important for proposed and potential growth within the
county, since every system is permitted to operate under limitations on capacity and the quality
of the final effluent. In Butte County public and community wastewater systems vary broadly in
size from serving dozens of residences to thousands.
This section focuses on the existing condition of the major community wastewater systems in
Butte County as originally developed from a list of facilities permitted by the Regional Water
Quality Control Board (RWQCB). On this list are nine community collection, treatment, and
disposal systems in both rural and urban areas.
Overview of Existing Community Wastewater Systems
The following nine community wastewater systems were identified:
• Butte County Service Area No. 82 - Stirling City
• Butte County Service Area No. 21 - Skansen Subdivision
• City of Biggs Wastewater Treatment Facility
• City of Chico Main Treatment Plant
• City of Chico Airport Treatment Plant
• City of Gridley Wastewater Treatment Plant
• Sewerage Commission - Oroville Region
• Lake Oroville Area Public Utility District
• Richardson Springs Community Service District
Table 6-3 below shows the types of treated wastewater disposal methods employed by
community wastewater systems in Butte County. All nine systems utilize gravity collection
methods. Many small rural counties in California tend to rely on these types of passive treatment
methods that do not use much energy or require intensive operations. Large operations require
more advanced technology and training of operators.
Of the nine systems reviewed, three are permitted by the RWQCB to discharge to surface
watercourses. Four systems are prohibited from surface water discharge; therefore they use
evaporation or percolation or a combined evaporation/percolation disposal method. The
maximum permitted wastewater flows from these nine systems total 14,060,000 gallons per day
(average 30-day dry weather flow). Of this quantity, approximately 92 percent, or 12,870,000
gallons per day, is permitted to be discharged to surface watercourses for final disposal.
Figure 6-1 shows the wastewater treatment facilities in Butte County.
32
99
70
191
162
70
162
99
32
PARADISE
OROVILLE
BIGGS
GRIDLEY
CHICO
WASTEWATER
TREATME NT PLANTS
Figure 6-1
Butte County
General Plan
Miles02468101
Source: Butte County Environmental Health, 2003
Legend
WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
City of Biggs
City of Chico
City of Gridley
City of Oroville
Richvale Sanitary District
Lakes
Date printed: June 17, 2003
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Butte County General Plan Background Report
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TABLE 6-3
COMMUNITY WASTEWATER TREATMENT METHODS BY COMMUNITY
Community Treatment Method
Treatment Level
(mg/L)Disposal Method
Permitted Capacity
(mgd)
Stirling City Septic Tank DO > 1.0 Evaporation Ponds 0.05
Skansen Subdivision Lagoon DO > 1.0 Evaporation Ponds 0.01
City of Biggs Aerated Lagoons 30 BOD/45 TSS*Surface Discharge 0.37
City of Chico Regional Activated Sludge 30 BOD/30 TSS*Surface Discharge 6.0
Chico of Chico Airport Oxidation Ponds DO > 1.0 Evaporation Ponds 0.08
City of Gridley
Aerated Lagoon DO > 1.0
Evaporation
Percolation Ponds 1.05
SC-OR (City of Oroville,
Thermalito, LOAPUD)Activated Sludge 20 BOD/20 TSS*Surface Discharge 6.5
Richardson Springs Chlorinated chamber ------Ponds/Spray Irrigation .01
Richvale Sanitary District none ------Evaporation Ponds .03
Notes: * = 30-day Average; Permitted discharge flow is 30-day average dry weather flow.
Source: Stephen Hackney, Planning Department, personal communications with appropriate Jurisdiction.
Table 6-4 summarizes the planned, proposed or required improvements for the seven systems
reviewed. Required system improvements may be driven by the regulatory agencies through
various statutory requirements or enforcement actions. Improvements may also be driven by
community needs or growth.
An interview with RWQCB staff outlined regulatory agency perspectives on deficiencies and
improvement needs for the seven community wastewater systems reviewed. The following
descriptions outline the RWQCB concerns and/or comments for the various systems.
Stirling City (County Service Area No. 82
No problems known or improvements pending at this time. Adequate capacity presently exists.
Groundwater monitoring program not required at this time.
Skansen Subdivision (County Service Area 21)
Within the next few years the RWQCB may require groundwater monitoring wells. Future hook-
up of homes may require a recirculating sand filter with disposal to the existing ponds.
City of Biggs
The City of Biggs has an inadequate chlorination/dechlorination system (no dechlorination and
inadequate plug flow residence time). As of late 2003, the City was in violation of discharge
requirements for dechlorination. There is a history of inflow and infiltration difficulties in the
collection system that warrants improvements. As of November 2003, the City was waiting for
funding for these improvements. Flow recording improvements are also necessary.
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TABLE 6-4
PLANNED COMMUNITY WASTEWATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS
Community Planned, Required or Proposed Improvement(s)
Stirling City No improvements Planned
Skansen Subdivision Possible connection to Chico Regional WWTP.
City of Biggs Collection system. Dechlorination. Composting facility.
City of Chico Regional On-going collection remediation. WWTP expansion.
City of Chico Airport Abandonment and connection to Chico Regional WWTP.
City of Gridley Repair house laterals. Additional aeration pond.
Oroville (SC-OR)Manhole repairs. Pump stations. Future WWTP expansion.
Source: Owners, operator and regulatory agencies.
City of Chico Regional
In 2000, Chico completed an expansion from 6.0 mgd to 9.0 mgd. Chico was, as of late 2003,
formulating a plan to further expand to 12 mgd. Approximately 1.5 mgd of the expanded
capacity will be used due to the Chico Urban Area Nitrate Compliance Plan which was prepared
by the County of Butte in response to Prohibition Order No. 90-126. Prohibition Order No. 90-
126 was adopted by the Regional Water Quality Control Board (Redding office) and will
ultimately require the abandonment of thousands of septic systems within the Chico Urban Area.
There is a possibility of future repair of the Sacramento River outfall and the potential for
expansion to 8.0 mgd in the future. RWQCB will consider a Cease and Desist Order if plant
expansion does not result in effluent quality which meets WDRs. In addition, an
industrial/commercial pre-treatment program needs to be fully implemented.
City of Chico Airport
A hook-up to Chico Regional WWTP was completed in 1992 and the use of the old dedicated
WWTP system was discontinued. As of late 2003, groundwater monitoring for nitrate was
underway at the City of Chico airport.
City of Gridley
As of late 2003, due to recent development, the City of Gridley’s wastewater facility was
approaching permitted capacity with a 1.05 mgd permitted discharge and a 0.8 mgd actual
discharge rate. The river may have flooded the percolation ponds in the 1986 winter rains and
possible flood problems remain. As of late 2003, the RWQCB was likely to request a report of
waste discharge and this would likely lead to improvements in capacity and new WDRs. The
pump station may be reaching capacity also. There are six active ponds and adequate room for
expansion. There has been an adequate treatment record in the past.
Oroville (Sewage Commission Oroville Region)
As of late 2003, the treatment plant’s remaining capacity was considered adequate. Continual
improvement to the industrial pretreatment program is necessary. In 1999-2000, coliform
discharges exceeded the allowable monthly average for two weeks due to an illegal industrial
discharge. The lines are old and considerable inflow and infiltration into sewer lines occurs
during the winter season.
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Potential impacts of the planned, proposed or required community wastewater system
improvements are dependent on the time frame for implementation and the relationship to
growth or community changes. All of the seven systems reviewed are either close to or within
the regulatory agency requirements
Other
In addition to the community systems reviewed, the Town of Paradise, as of November, 2003,
was in the process of developing two community wastewater facilities. The K-Mart shopping
center facility is in its final design stage. The Town will operate this facility. The second facility
is in the preliminary planning stages and will be for the Downtown Revitalization District area.
The Downtown Revitalization District was approved by Paradise in 2000. Paradise is one of the
largest developed communities in the state still served exclusively by individual on-site
wastewater systems.
Overview of County Service Areas
Table 6-3 below provides a summary of the wastewater-related County Service Areas (CSAs) in
Butte County. As shown in the Table, CSA #21 and CSA #82 include gravity sewer systems,
while the other four CSAs incorporate septic tank effluent pumps (STEPs)
Some of the larger mobile home parks in the county have community sewage systems that may
be under Waste Discharge Requirements (WDRs). Also, Butte College is a large discharger. As
of late 2003, the college was in the second phase of developing new on-site facilities that are
under WDRs. The scheduled completion is May, 2004.
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TABLE 6-5
SUMMARY OF WASTEWATER-RELATED
COUNTY SERVICE AREAS (CSA)
BUTTE COUNTY
CSA Number Zone Description Services
Zone 1
WDRs
Residential Lots, Oak Ridge Subdivisions, 32
lots
Gravity sewer + fresh water flushing siphon
to two lagoons
Zone 2
No WDRs
The Bluffs at Spanish Gardens Subdivision,
24 lots
STEPs to Community Leachfield
Zone 3
No WDRs
The Bluffs at Spanish Gardens Subdivision, 3
lots
Individual septic tank systems
CSA 21
12/29/64
Zone 4
WDRs
Rocky Bluffs Subdivision, 43 lots STEPs to dosing siphon to bottomless gravel
filter
CSA 82
11/14/81
WDRs Stirling City Community, 50,000 gpd,
maximum residential (166 dwelling unit
equivalent)
Gravity sewer to septic tank to four lagoons
CSA 94
7/16/85
No WDRs Sycamore Valley Subdivision, 24 lots STEPs to community leachfield
CSA 141 WDRs Mountain Oaks Subdivision, 54 lots STEPs to recirculating gravel filter to
storage lagoon to summer irrigation
Zone1
WDRs
Pheasant Landing Subdivision, Unit 1, 19 lots STEPs to individual sandfilters to shallow
percolation
CSA 169
Zone 2
WDRs
Pheasant Landing Subdivision Unit II, 26 lots STEPs to recirculating gravel filter to
community leachfield
Zone 2
WDRs
Keefer Creek Estates, 21 lots STEPs to recirculating gravel filter to
community leachfield
CSA 135
Zone 2
No WDRs
McWilliams Project, 3 lots STEPs to individual sandfilters within
community leach area
Notes:
STEP = Septic Tank Effluent Pump
WDR = Waste Discharge Requirements
6.5 ON-SITE SEWAGE SYSTEMS
On-site sewage systems in Butte County, as with other counties in California, are frequently the
systems of choice in rural or low population density areas. Due to the potential impacts on public
health and water quality, on-site sewage systems require certain soil conditions, setbacks from
drinking water sources, and minimal usable land area for a given service population. The
adequacy of existing and future on-site sewage systems in Butte County is a significant issue
affecting increased development and population density for the outlying rural areas.
Outlying rural areas of the county face specific difficulties with the treatment of wastewater
generated on site. Due to their relative isolation, small population, and low building density, rural
communities without sewers (called “unsewered”) cannot afford the construction and operation
costs associated with community wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal facilities. Rural
communities and individual residences, therefore, rely upon on-site sewage systems for
wastewater management.
Recent development pressure has dictated the construction and operation of alternative systems
to serve new subdivisions. These systems were engineered with features designed to mitigate
restrictive conditions, such as high ground water. These systems demand increased operation and
maintenance, due to their complex engineered components. There are inherent challenges with
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the formation and operation of these complex systems due to the limited technical, financial, and
managerial capacities of the subdivider (operator). Often, the subdivisions are too small for
economies of scale to be afforded. Also the continued formation of County Service Areas for
sewage disposal purposes becomes problematic with Proposition 218 restrictions.
Within the Chico Urban Area, septic system oversight management is funded by County Service
Area 114 (CSA 114). Approximately 12,000 units within CSA 114 are governed by State
Prohibition Order No. 90-126 and nearly 8,000 of these units are identified to convert to sewer
under the Chico Urban Area Nitrate Compliance Plan.
In May 2000, the Butte County Board of Supervisors released for public information the Chico
Urban Area Nitrate Compliance Plan which addresses the management of wastewater from
approximately 12,000 dwelling units within the Chico Urban Area that currently utilize on-site
wastewater disposal systems (also called septic systems).
Groundwater nitrate contamination was first detected in local private wells through testing
conducted by the State Department of Water Resources in 1979. Of special concern was the
exceedance of the national maximum contaminant level for nitrate in drinking water, which is 45
milligrams per liter. Public health concerns related to high nitrate levels, if ingested by humans,
include blue-baby syndrome, high blood pressure, birth defects and carcinogenic effects.
The detection of nitrate in groundwater triggered follow-up studies of water quality in the Chico
Urban Area. In 1988 the Butte County Board of Supervisors adopted County Service Area 114
(CSA 114) to allow the collection of an annual parcel fee from parcels located within the Chico
Urban Area that utilize septic systems. Revenue generated from CSA 114 supported the
preparation of environmental studies and sewer feasibility planning documents. In the mid
1990’s more than 100 wells were sampled over a 3-year period and it was determined that the
primary origin of elevated levels of nitrate contamination was septic systems.
The California Regional Water Quality Control Board (Regional Board) is the lead enforcement
agency requiring the mitigation of groundwater nitrate contamination within the Chico Urban
Area. In 1990 the Regional Board adopted Prohibition Order No. 90-126 (Order) restricting the
use of septic systems in the Chico Urban Area.
In response to this Order, the Board of Supervisors developed the Chico Urban Area Nitrate
Compliance Plan that describes a programmatic solution to remediate groundwater nitrate
contamination in the Chico Urban Area. The Nitrate Compliance Program affects about 30,000
residents living on nearly 10,000 parcels within the Chico Urban Area. Approximately 7,800
dwelling units are proposed to be connected to the local sewer system. The remaining 4,200
dwelling units would continue to use on-site septic systems, with additional monitoring
performed by the County, to ensure safe and sanitary operation.
Butte County is leading the effort to secure project funding to finance the installation of public
sewer facilities that would service dwelling units impacted by the Order. Once financing is
secured, the effort to construct and install public sewer facilities is projected to become phased in
over a 10-year period. Butte County, in collaboration with the City of Chico, proposes to finance
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the project by combining grants and low interest loans available through Federal, State and local
programs. An Environmental Impact Report (EIR) is required and was adopted by the Butte
County Board of Supervisors in September 2001.
Total project costs, to implement the necessary public and private improvements, are nearly $80
million. Since the State’s original adoption of the Order and the County’s adoption of the Nitrate
Compliance Plan, approximately 1,000 units have converted to the local sewer system. These
conversions typically included units that had sewer infrastructure readily available.
For more detailed information on the Chico Urban Area Nitrate Compliance Program refer to
http://www.buttecounty.net/cob/nitrate_plan.htm. Figure 6-2 below shows the Chico Urban Area
Nitrate Compliance Program area.
There is a major state-wide development with regards to on-site sewage. AB 885 mandates that
State standards be established which would regulate the placement and use of on-site systems.
These State regulations will have a very significant effect on development in the county, both on
existing undeveloped lots, and proposed development. Final State regulations are scheduled for
July 2004.
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Figure 6-2
Butte County
General Plan
Source: Butte County Administration, 2002Legend
Proposed Areas to Convert to Sewer
Highways
Major Roads
Date printed: June 17, 2003
Miles
0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1
Chapter 6: Public Facilities and Utilities
Final Draft August 8, 2005
Butte County General Plan Background Report
16
Available Designs
Individual residences, public facilities, commercial and industrial operations all produce
wastewater that can be treated by on-site sewage systems. This wastewater can come from sinks
and showers (called “gray water”), from toilets (called “black water”), or some combination of
the two. In Butte County most on-site systems deal with gray and black water together.
The design of on-site sewage disposal systems can be either "standard" or "alternative." A
“standard” system consists of a septic tank, generally placed outside of the residence or
commercial building. Using gravity, the wastewater flows from the tank into a network of
perforated pipelines placed in the soil. The area where this network lies is called a leach field.
The soil in the leach field and its ability to absorb water is a crucial factor that determines the
efficacy of the sewage system. It is particularly crucial because it is the last element of the
system before effluent reaches groundwater.
“Alternative" sewage disposal system designs incorporate a range of devices and mechanisms
which improve the quality of effluent and thereby mitigate potential impacts upon groundwater.
Usage of alternative designs in Butte County has historically been limited. While the technology
behind the alternative systems may be solid, operation and maintenance of the systems increases
because of the additional technology. This in turn requires proper infrastructure with appropriate
financial, managerial and technical capacities in place.
Septic tanks are designed to trap solids, greases, and scum, substances also called “septage.”
Every few years septage must be pumped from a septic tank by a septage hauler, then brought to
a disposal site, where it is further treated. Handling and transporting septage has become a
financial and ecological problem for many California counties. Often it is tilled into soil or
sprayed onto soil. To reduce the volume of the septage, liquids can also be evaporated; the
resulting solid are buried in permitted facilities. Septage can also be further treated at a
community wastewater treatment facility and then disposed under their effluent discharge
requirements.
Existing County On-site Sewage System Regulations
Designing and installing an on-site sewage system, whether it is standard or alternative, must
occur in accordance with federal, State, and County codes. Federal guidelines for proper design
and installation fall under the jurisdiction of the US Environmental Protection Agency. State
regulations are developed and enforced by the Regional Water Quality Control Board. County
codes for the proper design and installation of on-site systems fall under the jurisdiction of the
County Environmental Health Department. Contractors, developers and individuals must follow
the Standards of Construction for on-site sewage systems as adopted by the County Board of
Supervisors. All standard system installations within the county must be approved for design and
construction by the County Environmental Health Department, which inspects and permits each
system on an individual basis. Complex engineered community sewage disposal systems are
typically designed and constructed under Regional Water Quality Control Board oversight, in
accordance with Waste Discharge Requirements issued by the Regional Board.
Chapter 6: Public Facilities and Utilities
Final Draft August 8, 2005
Butte County General Plan Background Report
17
Current minimum standards for construction of on-site sewage systems in Butte County are
included in Chapter 19 of the Butte County Code, moratoria, and supplements. Although specific
to Butte County, these codes are in general conformance with the minimum federal and State
standards
The minimum septic tank liquid volume for applications in Butte County is 1,000 gallons. Septic
tanks must be constructed of concrete or other suitably durable material approved by the County
Health Department. Disposal field effluent lines must be laid at grades less than 0.3 percent (4
inches per 100 feet) unless soil conditions and topography allow the County Health Officer to
approve steeper grades. Other design criteria include a minimum disposal field trench width of
18 inches, six inches of drain rock (½ to 2-1/2 inch) loose pipe bedding and a minimum of two
inches of drain rock cover over the top of the effluent line. Finally the trench must have a
minimum of 150 square feet of leaching surface area on its bottom. Exceptions to these
minimum construction standards are provided for in the Code and can be approved by the
County Health Officer based on individual system needs.
In addition to the above-mentioned minimum construction and design standards for on-site
sewage systems, usable lot or parcel area criteria, setback requirements, groundwater proximity,
and soils suitability are also applicable to installation of approved systems in the county. Usable
lot area means the area of a lot or parcel actually useable for the installation of a complete on-site
sewage system. This definition restricts areas of a given parcel to not include building setbacks,
easements, property setbacks, certain paved areas, areas where the percolation value is above 120
min/in, areas with a slope greater than 30 percent, areas with seasonal high groundwater, and
areas with shallow soils. These usable lot area criteria and other pertinent design standards are
outlined in detail in the Butte County Code, Chapter 19.
Properties that are being considered for development and will be permanently served by on-site
wastewater systems are carefully evaluated for their ability to support such systems. The Butte
County Department of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health, works closely with the
Building Division of the Development Services Department to ensure that all development
complies with applicable codes and regulations
Support information that is designed to assist contractors, septic system installers, design
engineers, environmental health specialists and other interested parties is available from the
County Department of Public Health and the RWQCB.
Planned, Proposed, and Required Future Changes and Potential Impacts
Assembly Bill 885
Assembly Bill 885 (AB 885) was approved by the Governor in September 2000. It requires the
State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), in consultation with several agencies and
interest groups, to adopt regulations or standards for the permitting and operation of prescribed
on-site sewage disposal systems that meet certain requirements. Regulations are to be adopted on
or before January 1, 2004, and applicable six months thereafter.
Chapter 6: Public Facilities and Utilities
Final Draft August 8, 2005
Butte County General Plan Background Report
18
Although the regulations were in a draft form in mid-2003, they call for more stringent
requirements than the existing County ordinance. These State regulations are expected to have a
very significant effect on development in the county. In order to meet the new requirements,
alternative systems (no longer passive, gravity systems) will be promoted. While the technology
behind the alternative systems may be solid, operation and maintenance of the systems increases
because of the additional technology. This in turn will require proper infrastructure with
appropriate financial, managerial, and technical capacities in place.
Chico Urban Area Nitrate Compliance Plan
In 2000 the Butte County Board of Supervisors prepared the Chico Urban Area Nitrate
Compliance Plan as a policy response to State Prohibition Order No. 90-126 and elevated nitrate
levels in local drinking water supplies.
The Chico Urban Area Nitrate Compliance Plan (Plan) provides scientific background on nitrate
as a health hazard, the net impacts of local septic systems on groundwater, and relevant
hydrological information. The technical information in the Plan is used to designate areas that
must convert to sewers, not septic systems, for eliminating their waste water discharges and
reducing nitrate generation. Approximately 12,000 units within the Chico Urban Area are subject
to the Prohibition Order, of which nearly 8,000 are proposed to convert to sewer. The plan
describes and evaluates compliance options and concludes that connecting residences to the City
of Chico’s existing gravity collection system and sewage treatment plan is the most cost-
effective-alternative for sewering designated areas. This project would take up to ten years to
construct, at a total cost of nearly $80 million. Financing such a project has not been finalized ,
but it is anticipated to involve a substantial loan from the State Revolving Fund to install the
necessary public sewer improvements. As of spring 2003, it is proposed that the resulting debt
will be repaid with proceeds generated by local redevelopment funds.
The Plan consists of these elements.
• Public education efforts will assist owners of septic systems in extending the functional life
of their systems.
• New residential development on septic systems is to be limited to specified areas with a
minimum parcel size of 20,000 square feet equivalent to approximately two dwellings per
acre.
• Over approximately a seven to ten year period, phased sewer service will be extended to
approximately 7,800 dwelling units within designated subareas, commencing with the
area of highest priority and economic feasibility. Project funding available through the
State Water Resources Control Board’s State Revolving Fund loan program will be
pursued.
• The Regional Board will be asked to amend the Prohibition Order or take other steps as
appropriate to approve the County's Plan.
As the report points out, the actions of local governments affect residents across jurisdictional
boundaries, so coordination between the City of Chico and the County has been necessary. As of
2003, the County and City had reached an agreement that parcels need not be annexed as a
condition of sewer services.
Chapter 6: Public Facilities and Utilities
Final Draft August 8, 2005
Butte County General Plan Background Report
19
Watershed Protection Zones
Certain areas of Butte County are limited or not available for use of on-site septic systems. The
Town of Paradise, as well as other urban county areas (cities), have sewage ordinances which
strictly outline comprehensive density and installation guidelines for on-site systems. Other
regulatory mandates include the use of "Watershed Protection Zones" to limit the installation of
septic systems in watersheds which serve as drinking water sources. A Watershed Protection
Zone was approved for the Paradise Irrigation District, Magalia Reservoir and Firhaven Creek
watershed area, a major drinking water source for the Town of Paradise.
Palermo Pollution Study
The County initiated and guided a study of water quality in the Palermo area under a grant from
the State Clean Water Bond Act. The study was conducted in 1986-87 by a private consultant.
The Palermo pollution study was an eight-month investigative effort to determine the extent of
groundwater and surface water contamination due to the inadequacies of the existing on-site
sewage disposal systems in the area. The study was conducted to determine if there was a public
health problem due to contamination of private water wells by septic system effluent. The study
results were deemed to be inconclusive by the State Water Resources Control Board and the
Regional Water Quality Control Board. One recommendation of the study was to design and
construct a community collection system and hook-up to the Lake Oroville Area Public Utility
District (LOAPUD) with treatment to occur at the SCOR facilities in Oroville. This is one
example of the potential difficulties which can arise from high density reliance on septic
systems. The potential for this problem is pronounced in other high density areas of the county.
Areas of Future Concern
These areas may pose additional areas of concern over the planning horizon of this document.
The Paradise area may encounter groundwater contamination, because septic system leach fields
are so dense there, and because there is little available area for backing up or expanding the
current systems.
The existing lined septage ponds located at the Neal Road Landfill were constructed in 1993 and
1997. They will be decommissioned when a planned landfill expansion is implemented.
Replacement ponds or alternative disposal facility will be necessary to meet a critical septage
disposal requirement.
Butte County operates a septage disposal facility located at the Neal Road Sanitary Landfill. The
facility consists of two septage containment ponds The facility provides disposal to a large
portion of the unsewered residents within the county. Local septage pumping operators collect
septage from residential and commercial tanks and transport and dispose of the material at the
septage disposal facility. In 2002, 6.3 million gallons of septage were disposed at the facility. No
treatment other than containment is currently performed at the facility. To maintain storage
capacity, liquid is decanted to the second containment pond and then pumped and transported to
local waste water treatment plants for disposal. The location of the septage disposal containment
Chapter 6: Public Facilities and Utilities
Final Draft August 8, 2005
Butte County General Plan Background Report
20
ponds is identified in the landfill’s long range planning document as a future waste disposal
module. As of 2003, the County was proposing to relocate the septage containment ponds to a
yet undetermined location.
Existing On Site Sewage Systems Appraisal Summary
The regulation and permitting process of on-site sewage systems is similar in Butte County to
other rural counties in California. Information about the condition of on-site sewage systems in
the county is not reliable. The implementation of a countywide system for collecting this
information will likely be accomplished by the Butte County Department of Public Health with
the implementation of AB 885, scheduled for July, 2004
6.6 BUTTE COUNTY SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
Solid waste management is a rapidly changing utility in Butte County for several reasons.
Requirements for landfill design, operations and construction are stricter. Collection and disposal
technologies have changed. Recycling requirements by State agencies also influence the way
local governments solve solid waste issues.
As with any county in California, solid waste management in Butte County is conducted under
federal and State regulatory policies that are implemented and enforced by the California
Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB), the State Regional Water Quality Control
Board (RWQCB) and the Butte County Air Quality Management District. The County Division
of Environmental Health monitors solid waste facility compliance in cooperation with the
CIWMB. County policy for solid waste management is implemented under the County Board of
Supervisors by the Public Works Department, which is the responsible agency for administering
landfill operations. The Butte County Integrated Waste Management Local Task Force (LTF) is
an advisory body comprised of city staff, solid waste industry representatives, and members of
the public. It monitors the development of the Butte County Integrated Waste Management Plan
(CIWMP). The LTF serves as an advisory subcommittee of the Board.
Solid waste management occurs under several jurisdictions in Butte County. The incorporated
cities of Chico and Oroville have individual waste management jurisdictions and policies, and
operate independently. The City of Biggs, the Town of Paradise, and Butte County
(unincorporated area) formed the Butte Regional Solid Waste Management Authority in
December, 1999 for coordinating solid waste management, including waste diversion and
recycling activities as required under state of California legislation (AB 939). The City of
Gridley joined the Authority in August 2002. Biggs, Gridley, and Paradise each contract
individually for solid waste collection services (as also occurs with Chico and Oroville). On July
8th, 2003, the Butte County Board of Supervisors amended Chapter 31 if the Butte County Code,
entitled “Solid Waste Collection, Management and Recycling” in an effort to update county solid
waste regulations to better reflect current solid waste management regulations and requirements
mandated by the State of California. The County Code amendments seek to improve solid waste
collection and disposal in Butte County by increasing performance standards of the licensed
solid waste haulers and directing the disposal of collected solid waste to Neal Road Landfill.
Chapter 6: Public Facilities and Utilities
Final Draft August 8, 2005
Butte County General Plan Background Report
21
Existing solid waste management facilities in Butte County consist of two transfer stations, a
public use landfill (and adjacent septage waste disposal area), two private wood waste recylers,
and a private wood waste landfill. The City of Chico operates its own compost site for green
waste which is located at the City airport.
Recycling, composting, and waste combustion programs in Butte County are designed to make
other waste management operations more environmentally friendly and economically efficient.
In 2000, approximately 77,467 tons (or about 39 percent) of the solid waste generated within the
Butte Regional Solid Waste Management Authority jurisdiction was diverted from permitted
disposal facilities. Diversion percentages are lower than required under state waste diversion
mandates per AB 939 legislation (the California Integrated Waste Management Act of 1989
which requires 50 percent recycling by 2000). In response to meeting the 50% recycling
mandates, the county applied for and received a Time Extension from the CIWMB. By 2005, the
county Public Works Department anticipates meeting the 50% requirement by instituting organic
waste composting at Neal Road Landfill and increasing the local waste haulers annual diversion
from 15 percent to 20 percent.
Waste Stream Assessment
The quantities of solid waste that a population generates vary according to the season, the
geography, and social attitudes. Examining patterns of waste disposal in Butte County can shape
development controls and serve as a barometer of economic change.
Current Waste Stream
In 2000, the quantity and sources of the waste stream in Butte County were determined based on
data collected by the Public Works Department as part of the documentation required by the state
under the AB 939 regulations. Table 6-6 shows the results of this analysis broken down by each
jurisdiction in Butte County. The table also shows the existing diversion rate, a figure that
represents the quantity of solid waste diverted from landfilling by recycling.
TABLE 6-6
TONS OF SOLID WASTE GENERATED BY JURISDICTION, 2000
Jurisdiction Population Estimated Tons Generated
Biggs 1,793 n/a
Chico 59,954 131,309
Gridley 5,382 4,112
Oroville 13,004 24,281
Paradise 26,408 n/a
Unincorp. Co 96,630 n/a
Totals 203,171 n/a
According to the County Public Works Department, the Neal Road Landfill received 179,432
tons of municipal solid waste during 2002. Of that total, 9,772 tons of inert materials (broken
concrete and asphalt), 10,205 tons of green waste, and 45 tons of scrap metal were diverted from
disposal in the landfill.
Chapter 6: Public Facilities and Utilities
Final Draft August 8, 2005
Butte County General Plan Background Report
22
The Neal Road Landfill also accepted 6,319,053 gallons of septage and RV wastes during 2002
for disposal in a lined liquid waste impoundment.
Analysis of the Future Waste Stream
Population variations have a significant impact on the Butte County municipal waste stream.
According to the Joint Technical Document, Neal Road Landfill, September 2001 (JTD), the
population in Butte County is projected to grow by about 3.3 percent every year. Using the JTD
projection figures, the 2000 population of 96,630 is expected to reach 157,260 by the year 2015
(these figures represent the unincorporated portions of the county.)
Commercial and industrial growth and per capita generation trends are also significant factors
that will affect the future waste stream.
Table 6-7 below shows projected countywide solid waste generation for 2010, 2020, and 2030
based on actual per capita waste generation rates in 2002.
TABLE 6-7
PROJECTED COUNTYWIDE WASTE GENERATION: 2002-2030
2002 Actual (1)2010 Projected 2020 Projected 2030 Projected
Population 210,367 240,190 286,440 344,570
Waste Generated
(Tons)
209,840 239,588 285,722 343,707
Notes:
(1) Population figure is January 2003 population estimate by the California Department of Finance (DOF)
(2) Population projections from the Butte County Association of Government’s (BCAG) 2003 update to the Regional Travel
Demand Model for the Butte County Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) – see Chapter 2 (Population)
Sources: Butte County Recycling Coordinator, and Mintier & Associates
Collection and Transfer
Collection of Municipal Solid Waste
Butte County is served by four licensed private haulers who provide residential, commercial, and
industrial collection services for solid waste transported to the Neal Road Landfill for disposal.
Franchise agreements for these services are established in the incorporated cities of Biggs,
Gridley, and Oroville. The City of Chico issues operating permits and the Town of Paradise
requires an operating license for such services within their jurisdiction. In Butte County, Waste
Management, Inc. operates Paradise Solid Waste Systems, North Valley Disposal and North
Valley Waste Management. Norcal Waste Systems, Inc. operates Oroville Solid Waste and
Norcal Waste Systems of Butte County. The other solid waste collection companies are Crowder
Rubbish Service and County Roads Disposal.
Table 6-8 outlines the existing haulers, their service areas, contract status, recycling efforts and
percent of waste stream diversion.
Chapter 6: Public Facilities and Utilities
Final Draft August 8, 2005
Butte County General Plan Background Report
23
TABLE 6-8
SOLID WASTE HAULERS
BUTTE COUNTY
Private Hauler Service Area Franchise/Contract Recycling Efforts
Crowder Rubbish Service
153 Innsbrook Way
Chico, CA 95973
Unincorporated Butte
County only.
None.Wood waste
Oroville Solid Waste
Disposal
P.O. Box 1512
Oroville, CA 95965
Greater Oroville Area,
Richvale, Rural Gridley,
Rural Biggs, Nelson, Nord,
Thermalito, Palermo, Bangor,
Berry Creek, Feather Falls,
Honcut, Cherokee, Concow,
Paradise & Magalia areas,
(Own and Operate Oroville
Transfer Station)
Franchise in City of Oroville
expires 2010
Town of Paradise permit.
Five buy back centers, office
paper recycling, cardboard
recycling route, school recycling
program, & drop-off center
MRF facility in Oroville
processes Oroville MSW
Norcal Waste Systems of
Butte County
3097 Southgate Lane
Chico, CA 95928
City of Chico, Forest Ranch,
Cohasset, Unincorporated
Butte County
City of Chico permit.
County hauling license.
Curbside recycling, including
green waste collection
North Valley Disposal
Services
P.O. Box 1159
Chico, CA95927
Greater Chico Area, Durham,
& Nord, unicorp. South
County, Cohasset, Forest
Ranch
City of Chico permit
renewed every five years
Curbside & buy back program,
office paper, cardboard
Paradise Solid Waste
Systems
P.O. Box 1390
Paradise, CA 95969
Greater Paradise & Magalia
Areas, Upper Ridge area,
Butte Valley
Butte County license
renewed annually. Town of
Paradise permit.
Curbside greenwaste, two drop-
off centers, & two buy back
centers, cardboard
Country Roads Disposal
P.O. Box 1103
Berry Creek, CA 95916
Unincorporated Southern
Butte County
None Curbside collection of aluminum,
glass and No. 1 plastic
North Valley Waste
Management
2569 Scott Ave.
Chico, CA 95928
Gridley Franchise with City of
Gridley through 12/8/07
Curbside commingled, curbside
yardwaste, cardboard
Yuba-Sutter Disposal
3001 Levee Rd.
Marysville, CA 95901
Unincorporated Butte County
South areas of County only
None. Formerly had City of
Gridley Franchise
Processes all refuse through MRF
in Marysville
Transfer Stations
Private collection firms operate two transfer stations in Butte County. The Ord Ranch Transfer
Station is leased by the City of Gridley from Butte County and operated by North Valley Waste
Management. North Valley Waste Management is a subsidiary company of Waste Management,
Inc.
The Ord Ranch Transfer Station is situated on one acre and as of 2002 received about 90 cubic
yards per day or 32,580 cubic yards of waste each year. All materials collected at the transfer
station are hauled to Neal Road Landfill for disposal.
About 199 tons/day (2000 data) of refuse from residents and businesses in Oroville and
communities in the central valley region is routed through the Oroville Transfer Station, an
indoor facility situated on 13 acres and equipped with a stationary compactor. The Oroville
Transfer Station, owned and operated by Norcal Waste Systems, Inc., diverts 16 percent (2000
Chapter 6: Public Facilities and Utilities
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Butte County General Plan Background Report
24
data) of the solid waste stream through recycling efforts. The Oroville Transfer Station includes
a materials recovery facility and a household hazardous waste management facility.
Solid Waste Disposal
Solid Waste Disposal Sites
The Neal Road Landfill is located seven miles southeast of Chico in an area characterized by
topographic plateaus separated by ravines and canyons. Elevations at the site range from 210 to
460 feet MSL.
The landfill is situated on 226 acres of property owned by Butte County. As of mid-2003, waste
disposal activities are confined to 80 acres of the site. A 10-acre lateral expansion of the landfill
is scheduled for construction starting in mid-2003. The landfill was operated by the Neal Road
Landfill Company under contract with Butte County from 1978 through February 28, 2003. The
County Public Works Department assumed daily operational responsibility on March 1, 2003.
The landfill was originally opened as a burning dump in 1965. In 1970 it was converted into a
sanitary landfill operation under the jurisdiction of the Department of Public Works.
Neal Road Landfill is permitted to accept municipal solid waste, inert industrial waste,
demolition materials, special wastes containing non-friable asbestos, and septage. Hazardous
wastes, including friable asbestos, are not accepted at the Neal Road facility or any other Butte
County disposal facility.
The Louisiana-Pacific Landfill is located three miles south of Oroville on a 189-acre site where
80 acres are used for landfilling. It accepts both wood waste and ash produced from a
cogeneration facility. Up to 75 tons of wood waste and 6 tons of ash are disposed in the landfill
each day. The landfill and cogeneration facility are owned and operated by Louisiana-Pacific.
Regulatory Approval and Compliance
The Neal Road Landfill operates under Facilities Permit No. 04-AA-0002 which was issued
February 2, 1999 by the CIWMB. The CIWMB is responsible for permitting, inspecting, and
enforcing regulations at landfill sites.
Activities at the Neal Road Class III Landfill are also regulated by RWQCB Waste Discharge
Requirements (WDRs) Order No. R5-2002-0145 and Monitoring and Reporting Program No.
R5-2002-0145, which were adopted on August 19, 2002. The latter regulatory permitting
documents strive to protect surface and groundwater quality.
The Butte County Air Quality Management District issued a Title V operating permit for landfill
operations air emissions control. Permit No. NRL-01-01-TV was issued to the county Public
Works Department on March 3, 2003.
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Butte County General Plan Background Report
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Disposal at the Louisiana-Pacific Landfill is permitted under RWQCB Waste Discharge
Requirements Order No. 90-266. The landfill is privately owned and operated and does not
receive municipal refuse.
The Butte County Division of Environmental Health, Department of Public Health functions as
the Local Enforcement Agency operating under the guidelines of the County Solid Waste
Enforcement program and the oversight of the CIWMB.
Leachate Control
The Neal Road Landfill has mechanisms for collecting and disposing leachate. To impede the
generation of leachate, a relatively impermeable cover, consisting of synthetic tarp, is installed
on the landfill. Leachate is collected along the perimeter of the landfill toe in a rock drain. The
leachate collected in the perimeter system is discharged to a Class II surface impoundment
located within the permitted landfill area. Sampling groundwater wells located near the solid
waste disposal facility assist in detecting the presence, degree, and migration of leachate. The
groundwater monitoring system at the Neal Road Landfill consists of one upgradient and nine
downgradient monitoring wells. Two additional monitoring wells are proposed.
Lysimeters were installed under the disposal site in 1990 to monitor the unsaturated zone water
quality. There are nine lysimeters installed at Neal Road Landfill. Sampling and laboratory
analysis of water samples collected from the monitoring wells and the lysimeters are performed
on a quarterly basis. All data is reported to the RWQCB.
Capacity
The Butte County Department of Public Works serves as the responsible agency which monitors
the remaining capacity of the landfill site.
The total capacity of the Neal Road Landfill was estimated in 2001 at 20,217,600 cubic yards
(13,141,300 tons). This number is refuse fill capacity (excludes cover soils) and includes
capacity obtained from the construction of future waste disposal modules. Based on an average
waste disposal amount of 435 tons per day and using an average annual growth rate of 3.35, it is
anticipated that the site will continue to receive solid waste until at least the year 2033.
The Louisiana-Pacific Landfill has a permitted capacity of 304,000 cubic yards. In March 1991,
the facility was determined to have a remaining capacity of 121,257 cubic yards.
Closure and Post-Closure Maintenance
Once the Neal Road Landfill reaches capacity, closure and post-closure care procedures will be
implemented to minimize potential adverse environmental effects. Closure involves capping the
landfill with a low-permeability material (compacted clay and a synthetic membrane) to
minimize moisture infiltration, developing and maintaining surface drainage control structures,
and maintaining the function of leachate and methane collection and monitoring equipment.
Post-closure care involves inspecting the site, monitoring the environment, maintaining the land
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surface, controlling methane, and transporting and treating leachate. Post-closure maintenance is
considered a long-term obligation (minimum 30-year period) and is overseen by the CIWMB.
The eastern half of the existing 80 acre refuse footprint is scheduled for closure construction
activities during 2003. The balance of the existing 80 acre footprint is scheduled from final
closure construction by 2006. All waste disposal activities will occur on lined modules
thereafter.
Special Wastes
This section describes the public and private services that are available for transporting,
disposing, and treating a variety of solid wastes.
Current Special Waste Management
Medical wastes, non-hazardous ash, construction and demolition waste, non-friable asbestos, and
bulky items such as mattresses and white goods are accepted at the Neal Road Landfill. Friable
asbestos wastes are disposed of in permitted Class II landfills outside Butte County and are not
allowed in Neal Road Landfill for disposal.
Household Hazardous Waste
Several Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) programs have been implemented in Butte County.
These include permanent HHW collection facilities located in Chico and Oroville, maintenance
of a load checking program at the Neal Road Landfill, and advocating of public education and
information. One-day HHW collection events are routinely held at various locations in the
county. Funding for the HHW events is available from grants distributed by the CIWMB.
Pending grant funding, as of 2003 an electronic hazardous waste (e-waste) facility is planned for
the Neal Road Landfill. If funded, construction should start in late 2004/ early2005.
Construction/Demolition Waste
Construction and demolition debris is made up of a variety of waste material which include steel,
asphalt, concrete, brick, plaster, wallboard, and piping. Some of this material may contain
hazardous substances such as asbestos.
Butte County has designated separate areas for stockpiling and processing of green wastes and
concrete/asphalt wastes at Neal Road Landfill and encourages cooperation with reduced tipping
fees. Wood chips are sold to existing cogeneration and biomass fuel markets. Crushed concrete
and asphalt material is used to build and reinforce landfill roads.
Infectious Waste
A local company picks up and disposes infectious waste from all veterinary clinics, hospitals,
and medical and dental practices.
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Used Oil
Nineteen existing oil recycling centers in Butte County accept about 15,000 gallons/year of used
engine and similar lubricating oils. Agricultural generators of waste oil have two recycling
centers available: one located at Neal Road Landfill and the other located at Compton
Enterprises.
Tires
More than 75,500 old tires accumulate in Butte County every year. These scrap tires are a major
problem for communities. Stockpiled and littered tires have negative aesthetic impact and
increase the risk of fire and disease.
There are four identified feasible alternatives to the county's old tire dilemma: landfill disposal;
technological transformations such as retreading; resurfacing city streets with rubberized asphalt;
or energy recovery.
About 134 tons of waste tires were accepted at Neal Road Landfill during 2002. Of that amount,
approximately 71 tons of waste tires were shipped to the Calaveras Cement cogeneration facility
in Redding, CA.
Two tire amnesty events were planned for November of 2003 and May of 2004. This effort is
intended to address the illegal dumping problem in the rural areas of the county.
Public Education and involvement
The success of an education and involvement program hinges on participation by the commercial
sector and the media. Local commercial haulers use an extensive array of mechanisms to
advance solid waste management awareness. Television programming, radio, and newspaper are
used to advance public awareness.
The Butte County Department of Public Works implements public education and involvement
programs for the unincorporated areas. An advisory committee coordinates activities between
Butte County and the commercial haulers. It is composed of local government, private citizens,
school district administrators and teachers, and representatives of the local waste haulers.
Financing and Revenues
Multi-Jurisdictional Factors
A regional approach to solid waste management offers a number of potential financing
advantages.
Recycling, composting, and waste-to-energy programs require a large waste generation and
collection base in order to generate a marketable product. Development of regional sites assures
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a consistent supply of materials, allowing Butte County communities to achieve economies of
scale through better utilization of capital and more efficient management.
Operating Revenue
Butte County solid waste management systems are funded by fees applied at Neal Road Landfill
and total approximately $4,000,000 per year.
Table 6-9 outlines the existing solid waste disposal fees at the Neal Road Landfill, the Ord Road
Transfer Station, and the Oroville Transfer Station.
TABLE 6-9
BUTTE COUNTY LANDFILL AND TRANSFER STATION FEES
NEAL ROAD LANDFILL FEES
Type of Waste Costs
Municipal Wastes Minimum charge is $9.00 per vehicle up to 800 lbs. net weight. All other vehicles
over 800 lbs. $24.00 per ton.
Tires $2.00 per tire, up to 36"
$4.00 per tire from 36" to 48"
$13.00 per tire from 48" to 60"
$140 per ton over for tires over 60" and large loads
$35 per ton for altered (cut) tires
Yard waste $5.00 minimum, $20.00 per ton maximum
Special Handling $60.00 per load for wastes requiring immediate cover
Demolition Wastes $24.00 per ton
Refuse Haulers $24.00 per ton
Inert Waste (concrete, dirt, asphalt)$5.00 per ton
Septage $77.61 per 1,000 gallons ($18.61/ton)
OROVILLE TRANSFER STATION
Type of Waste Costs
Minimum Charge $7.50
Commercial Vehicle $40.75/ton
Standard Pickup Truck $25.25 (level bed) $38.75 (over bed)
Appliances $11.50 (w/o freon) $32.25 (with freon)
ORO ROAD TRANSFER STATION
Type of Waste Estimated Costs
Municipal Wastes $4.00 minimum per barrel 32 gal.; truck $19.00
Stumps large stumps not taken
Tires $5.00 to$15.00, car and lt. truck only
Sources: Butte County Public Works Department, 2003, Norcal Waste Systems 2003.
Notes: Fees Effective January 2, 200
Capital Financing
Capital financing for Butte County solid waste management operations and improvements may
be accomplished through borrowing, using incoming revenues, and/or private financing. General
obligation bonds are considered a stable mechanism for funding capital equipment acquisitions
or facilities. Operations and maintenance revenues can be collected by one or a combination of
several methods. A waste surcharge can be collected from each customer in the periodic billings
of the waste haulers. Fees from building and development impact mitigation and business license
renewal can also be collected. Grant funds are received from the state Department of
Conservation and the California Integrated Waste Management Board for recycling and
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household hazardous waste programs. Butte County also plans to explore other State and federal
programs which may offer grant funds and low interest loans.
Overall Solid Waste Assessment
Major factors that affect policies regarding solid waste infrastructure and potential outcomes of
county growth include capacity of facilities, potential future disposal sites, funding, and
establishment of standardized service areas and support systems. It has been observed that
county and incorporated city solid waste systems are somewhat different in operational
methodology and public awareness of waste stream recycling opportunities. This fact is evident
in the differences between the existing diversion rates for the various jurisdictions.
Adequate capacity remains in the county's only permitted landfill facility (Neal Road) to meet
approximately 30 years of municipal solid waste disposal.
As the mandated requirements of AB939 continue to be implemented and as public awareness on
solid waste issues heightens, source reduction and recycling efforts will continue to result in
significant changes in the solid waste infrastructure for Butte County.
6.7 SOURCE DIVERSION AND REDUCTION
AB 939, the Integrated Solid Waste Management Act of 1989, requires every jurisdiction in
California to develop comprehensive plans for implementing programs and policies to reduce,
recycle, or otherwise divert from landfill disposal a minimum of 25 percent of each jurisdiction's
solid waste stream by 1995 and 50 percent by the year 2000.
Source Reduction
Source reduction is an approach to solid waste reduction that addresses how products are
manufactured, purchased, and used.
Source reduction technical options planned in Butte County include product reuse, reduced
material volume, increased product lifetime, and decreased consumption. For example, Butte
County will examine alternatives for reusing scrap paper. It will also develop a policy regarding
the replacement of paper towel dispensers with air hand dryers, promote the use of cloth diapers
in child care centers, and accommodate swap meets and thrift and repair shop businesses.
The County IWMP anticipates that all of the proposed source reduction programs could achieve
a minimum diversion of two percent of the waste disposed in Butte County. The CIWMP is
scheduled for an update during 2003.
Education and Research
Educating the residents in Butte County is designed to elicit assistance by the public and the
private sectors in meeting goals for reducing solid wastes. Technical assistance is also available
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to help households and businesses track their waste output through waste audits. The County can
also encourage people to reduce junk mail and encourage bulk buying source reduction goals.
Recycling
Existing Recycling Programs
Recycling, an essential practice for diverting solid wastes from landfills, is a fundamental part of
the Butte County integrated waste management plan. In 2000, approximately 77,467 tons (or
about 39 percent) of the solid waste generated within the Butte Regional Solid Waste
Management Authority jurisdiction was diverted from permitted disposal facilities by recycling
programs and facilities.
Commonly recycled solid waste materials in Butte County include: paper, both old newspaper
and corrugated cardboard; aluminum; glass; ferrous metals; plastics, both PET and HDPE; and
batteries. Industrial food processors separate food wastes for use as animal feed by farmers. A
scrap metal dealer located in Butte County receives and resells ferrous metals and other so-called
“white” metal goods, such as aluminum and tin. Fats and greases from grocery stores and
restaurants are collected by a rendering company. Tree trimmings and yard wastes are also
collected for mulch and cogeneration fuel.
Existing recycling activities and programs are overseen by the County and operated by the
County at Neal Road Landfill and by the private sector at other locations.
Planned Programs
Planning for recycling involves understanding materials markets, building local expertise, setting
realistic goals, and promoting public participation.
Programs include implementation of a residential curbside recycling program in the Chico urban
sphere. Operation of a construction and demolition debris salvage program are planned activities
Neal Road Landfill. Butte County will continue to oversee the existing buy-back recycling
centers A planned public education and involvement program will foster participation in
recycling.
Materials Recovery Facility (MRF)
A MRF is a centralized facility that receives separates, processes, and markets recyclable
materials. Norcal Waste Systems of Butte County, which serves Oroville, Chico, Durham, and
Magalia, operates a MRF. Construction of a facility to sort some of the incoming wastes and
divert materials to an on-site organic waste processing facility was under consideration by Butte
County Public Works Department staff as of 2003 in order to meet waste diversion goals.
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Composting
Existing Composting Programs
There are two permitted regional composting facilities established in Butte County. The facility
accept green wastes, consisting of lawn clippings, leaves, and tree branches. Vegetative food
waste can be recycled as animal feed or diverted into cogeneration fuel. Commercial and
industrial wood waste is also diverted into cogeneration fuel.
Yard waste composting is a low technology, low cost operation that can handle a substantial
portion of the municipal solid waste stream. The City of Chico owns and operates a yard waste
composting program. About 400 cubic yards/day of leaves collected in the autumn months
(40,000 cubic yards/year) are composted near the Chico Municipal Airport. The compost product
is used for landscaping purposes. The City of Gridley is considering the implementation of a
composting facility near its wastewater treatment plant.
Yard waste composting activities by the City of Chico have in the past raised some concern over
surface water quality. In 1981, the Regional Water Quality Control Board suggested that the leaf
composting operation was causing polluted leachate to enter Sheep Hollow Creek. Since that
time, corrections to rectify the situation have been implemented.
Composting Objectives
As of 2003, programs for composting include curbside collection of residential yard waste, a
drop-off system for commercial and industrial generated yard waste and establishment of a
central composting facility at the Chico Airport site.
Solid Waste Combustion
Existing Combustion Activities
Butte County has one biomass conversion facility, which is the only cogeneration plant in the
county. The Pacific Oroville Power, Inc. (POPI) plant, located in Oroville (see Figure 14-1),
burns wood waste through the direct combustion process to generate electricity. The electricity is
sold to PG&E. As of 2003 it generates 18 MW of electricity, though it is licensed at 22 MW. The
wood fuel for the plant comes from agricultural wastes and timber operations. In accordance
with the Clean Air Act (CAA), combustion facilities in Butte County must meet source
performance standards that limit emissions of individual pollutants to the air.
Energy Markets
The Public Utilities Regulatory and Policy Act (PURPA) encourages cogeneration to supplement
existing electrical utility capacity by requiring utilities to purchase electricity from cogenerators
at avoided cost. Pacific Oroville Power, Inc. sells energy to PG&E for distribution over the
existing electrical transmission grid.