Opinions Solicited For Yosemite Water Treatment Project

Courtesy: Yosemite National Park

Wawona, CA – Yosemite National Park officials are seeking the public’s feedback on two preferred alternatives for the Wawona wastewater system.

The Wawona Wastewater Treatment System Rehabilitation Project Environmental Assessment (EA) was released this week. The public will have until December 9th to give their opinions on two action alternatives that address deferred maintenance, improve the operational efficiency of the system and visitors’ experience.

Park officials preferred Alternative 2, which is provided below:

• Provide central sewage treatment for Wawona Campground
• Upgrade the Wawona Wastewater Treatment Plant and associated sewage conveyance infrastructure
• Improve the existing spray effluent disposal system and construct sub-surface effluent disposal trenches at the Big Trees Lodge Golf Course
• Eventually replace the vault toilet at the South Fork Picnic Area with a flush toilet restroom (pending funding availability)

There are several ways to participate by using these options outlined by the park:

• Online (preferred method) through the Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) website, click here.
• You may also mail comments (post-marked by December 9, 2018) to: Superintendent, Yosemite National Park Attn: Wawona Wastewater System EA, P.O. Box 577, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
• Yosemite will host a public meeting on November 16th at 9am at the Wawona Community Center (7915 Chilnualna Falls Road).
• To request printed documents (available in limited quantity) call (209) 379-1221 or e-mail: yose_planning@nps.gov.

The park will review comments after the public comment period closes. A final decision document is expected by February 2019, with the project slated to begin in late-summer. Park officials note that this rehabilitation project implements actions recommended in the Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan.