Sewer, Septic and Cesspool Group of Altadena
Sewer, Septic and Cesspool Group of Altadena
Uniting Altadena residents with OWTS (Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems) to ensure our ability to rebuild.
We are creating a database of properties which have OWTS (Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems - either septic or cesspool. Please click the link above and enter your information so we may add you to the directory of homeowners affected. This will also give us a way to communicate and keep those property owners affected in the loop and up to date.
Advocate for practical solutions and resources to address the septic, cesspool, and sewer system challenges facing homeowners after the Eaton Fire.
UPDATE: As of Thursday, April 10th - County will now allow people who are doing a "Like for Like" rebuild to reconnect to their existing CESSPOOL system if it is evaluated as functioning properly.
Here is the email being handed out at the One-Stop Permit Center on Woodbury:
From: Tigran Khachatryan <tkhachatryan@ph.lacounty.gov>
Sent: Thursday, April 10, 2025 3:15 PM
To: Khin Myint <KMyint@ph.lacounty.gov>; Angelica Shiau <AShiau@ph.lacounty.gov>; Michael Aranda <MAranda@ph.lacounty.gov>; Martin Farmand <mfarmand@ph.lacounty.gov>; Leane Berg <lberg@ph.lacounty.gov>; Chris Gibson <chgibson@ph.lacounty.gov>; Maryann Beniamine <MBeniamine@ph.lacounty.gov>
Cc: Lusi Mkhitaryan <lmkhitaryan@ph.lacounty.gov>
Subject: RE: cesspool
Hello everyone.
Cesspools are now approved for like-for-like fire rebuilds, as long as the homeowners do not increase the sewage flow to the cesspools by adding bedrooms, bathrooms, a pool/spa, or any other additions that might elevate the sewage flow.
The following requirements must be met for a like-for-like fire rebuild of the cesspool:
DRP application.
$447 or $522 fee.
System evaluation.
Site plan.
Floor plan.
If you have any questions, please let me know.
Thank you.
Tigran Khachatryan, REHS
Chief EHS-OWTP
(626)430-5380
This is great news for our community - and hopefully brings some relief to those planning a rebuild and wondering about OWTS costs that aren't included in most peoples insurance coverage.
Project goals:
Ensure that homeowners with functional OWTS (Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems) like cesspools and septic tanks can reconnect to their existing infrastructure, especially while waiting for new sewer infrustructure to be put in place.
Secure funding and resources for the development of near-term sewer extension projects.
Raise awareness and mobilize communities on septic/cesspool systems to consider the benefits of connecting to sewer systems.
Facilitate direct communication with county and state officials to clarify guidelines and expedite solutions.
Pool resources and create a shared archive to support ongoing efforts and provide helpful information to all involved.
The overall goal is to unite and empower neighbors to navigate these critical issues and push for improvements that benefit the community as a whole. We invite all those interested and motivated to participate, share, and suggest their ideas.
"It takes a village to protect our land. Together, we can make a difference — the more voices we have, the stronger we are."
Contact altadenasewergroup@gmail.com to get more information on the project, and join us for our zoom meetings.