Dear Cambrians,

After more than a decade of studies, environmental review, engineering refinement, regulatory coordination, and sustained commitment, the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors unanimously denied six appeals of the Coastal Development Permit for the Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) on June 16, 2026. This action upheld the Planning Commission’s approval of the Development Permit/Coastal Development Permit (DRC2013-00112), allowing for the continued operation of the CCSD Water Reclamation Facility. The WRF had previously been authorized to operate on an emergency basis under the Emergency Coastal Development Permit (ZON2013-00589), issued on May 15, 2014.

While the District has now secured County approval of the Coastal Development Permit, we fully anticipate that the project will be appealed to the California Coastal Commission. The District remains committed to working collaboratively with Coastal Commission staff to address any remaining questions or concerns. Over the past three years, we have worked diligently to build a productive relationship with Coastal staff, and we are confident that through continued collaboration and good-faith engagement, a path forward can be found that addresses the Commission’s concerns while ultimately achieving a permanent Coastal Development Permit for this critical community facility.

Additionally, the District has uploaded the most recent Biological Study for the WRF at the link provided below. Future studies and monitoring reports will also be made available at this location as they are completed.

https://www.cambriacsd.org/amp-annual-reports-amp-monitoring-reports

This milestone reflects the dedication, professionalism, and perseverance of many individuals over many years.

The District would like to extend its deepest gratitude to the Cambria Community Services District Board of Directors for their steadfast support of the Water Reclamation Facility project. Throughout years of regulatory review, technical studies, public meetings, appeals, and changing circumstances, the Board remained committed to the long-term vision of protecting Cambria's water resources and ensuring a reliable water future for the community. Their willingness to make difficult decisions, provide strategic direction, and support staff through a complex and often challenging process was instrumental in reaching this important milestone. The Board's leadership and commitment to the community's water security have been a driving force behind the project's success.

The District would also like to extend its sincere appreciation to the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors for their thoughtful consideration of the project and their unanimous decision to deny the appeals and uphold the Coastal Development Permit. We are equally grateful to County staff, whose professionalism and extensive work throughout the review process helped ensure a thorough, transparent, and well-supported evaluation of the project.

Special recognition is owed to Utilities Department Manager Jim Green, Program Manager Tristan Reaper, Permitting and Compliance Officer Eric Johnson, Confidential Administrative Assistant Haley Dodson, and District Counsel Tim Carmel, whose expertise, dedication, and countless hours of effort were instrumental in navigating the complex permitting process. Their work, along with the contributions of District consultants and the entire CCSD staff, helped position the project for success at both the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors levels. The District would also like to recognize the efforts of the many consultants, engineers, biologists, hydrogeologists, and regulatory specialists who contributed to this project over the years. The WRF has been the product of thousands of hours of work by dedicated professionals committed to developing a sustainable and environmentally responsible solution to Cambria's water challenges.

Projects of this magnitude are never accomplished by one individual or one department. They are the result of a coordinated team effort, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who contributed their time, knowledge, and commitment to advancing this project. While there is still work ahead, today's outcome represents a significant achievement for the Cambria community. We remain confident that, through continued collaboration with the California Coastal Commission and its staff, we can successfully address any remaining concerns and ultimately secure a permanent Coastal Development Permit for the Water Reclamation Facility.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Matthew McElhenie
General Manager
Cambria Community Services District