PCH Wastewater LINE Project
Project Overview
Following the January 2025 Palisades Fire, the City began evaluating long-term wastewater solutions for beachfront properties along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) corridor that were damaged or destroyed.
The City is proposing a centralized wastewater collection system to replace existing onsite septic systems, which are vulnerable to coastal hazards and costly to reconstruct. The proposed system would collect wastewater from Carbon Beach to the City limits, and convey it to the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant through the Los Angeles Sanitation & Environment (LASAN) system.
This project is part of the City’s broader efforts to support community recovery, protecting the environment, and provide resilient infrastructure for the future.
The Preliminary Design Report was presented at the February 23, 2026 City Council Regular Meeting with a full project update including funding options.
Project map
The proposed project area extends approximately 5.5 miles along PCH, from Carbon Beach to the City limits. The conceptual map is subject to refinement as design progresses.
Project status
In early 2026, the preliminary design confirmed the feasibility of a centralized wastewater system that would include gravity sewers, force mains, and pump stations to convey wastewater to the regional treatment system.
The City is now advancing the next phase of work, which includes preparation of an Engineer’s Report for formation of Assessment District to fund design and community outreach to inform property owners about the proposed system and funding approach.
Public Meetings
- May 26, 2026 City Council Meeting
- February 23, 2026 City Council Meeting
- August 11, 2025 City Council Meeting
- April 24, 2025 City Council Work Session
anticipated Project Schedule
The project schedule below includes funding implementation for the design phase and funding implementation for the construction phase between July 2026 through July 2032.
| Task Item | Projected Implementation Schedule |
|---|---|
| Engineer’s Report to Fund Design + Stakeholder Outreach (8 months) | July 2026 – March 2027 |
| Formation of Assessment District 1 (2 months) | March 2027 – May 2027 |
| Bond Issuance of Fund Design (3 months) | May 2027 – August 2027 |
| Project Final Design 65% completion (12 months) | August 2027 – August 2028 |
| Final Design + Bids Received (9 months) | August 2028 – May 2029 |
| Engineer’s Report to Fund Construction + Stakeholder Outreach (9 months) | August 2028 – May 2029 |
| Formation of Assessment District 2 (2 months) | May 2029 – July 2029 |
| Bond Issuance (3 months) | July 2029 – October 2029 |
| Project Construction (33 months) | October 2029 – July 2032 |
Note: Anticipated schedule is subject to change as the project progresses.
Project Funding
The financial plan for this project includes the formation of two assessment districts with Phase One to finance the design phase and Phase Two to finance the construction phase.
An Assessment District is a financing mechanism that allows the City to allocate project costs among properties that directly benefit from the improvements. Formation of an Assessment District requires approval from affected property owners through a ballot process conducted in accordance with Proposition 218.
whats next
The City will continue community outreach to provide information about the progression of the project and respond to questions from property owners and the public.
Property owners within the proposed project area will receive regular notices, formal ballots as part of the process of forming an assessment district, and details about the proposed improvements and funding methodology.
Sign up to receive the latest information and updates for the PCH Wastewater Project