Sewer project ready to start in north Chico

CHICO The Chico Urban Area Nitrate Compliance project could be coming to your neighborhood if you live in north Chico.

The upcoming project is bordered by Pillsbury Road, East Avenue and Cohasset Road, but spills into Burnap, Lupin and North avenues pockets too.

New sewer pipes connecting about 770 residences and businesses to the city's sewer plant are planned, along with backhoe trenching down the streets to accommodate the pipe work.

This will be the third of a six-phase, $38 million Chico project, impacting properties on septic systems. Lassen Avenue and Chapman-Mulberry areas have been completed.

Required by the state because of nitrates in the groundwater, all septic tanks in Chico must be disabled and replaced by sewer service.

High levels of nitrates in drinking water can be a danger to infants, causing reduced oxygen supply. In adults, prolonged intake of nitrates has been linked to intestinal problems, according to the city's sewer project website.

On the up side, city sewer access can mean tapping areas monopolized by septic tanks and leach lines, the ability to install a garbage disposal, and a higher resale value, according to the county.

Because Chico is a combination of city and county jurisdictions, the two governments are working jointly on the Chico Urban Area Nitrate Compliance Program.

The city and county identified a number of nitrate "hot spots" in Chico, which now fall under the compliance program. Property owners inside

Other septic tank owners not be in the compliance will still be required to eventually connect to city sewers.

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Sewer project ready to start in north Chico