In response to the recent article regarding the construction of a water treatment plant in Chino Basin, it is crucial to acknowledge the potential oversight of failing to address the primary threat posed by the thousands of septic tanks in the region.
While the approved State Street Water Treatment Facility will undoubtedly play an essential role in treating nitrates, perchlorate, and 1,2,3-trichloropropane (1,2,3-TCP), it is vital not to place all our focus on tackling the symptoms without addressing the root cause of the issue.
Chino Basin currently has over 1,500 septic tank systems, many of which are over 50 years old and well past their service life. These septic tanks pose a significant risk to the groundwater quality in the unincorporated areas between Chino, Chino Hills, and Montclair. The most effective long-term solution to this problem is the replacement of septic tanks with a sewer system for the capture and treatment of sewage. However, neither the cities of Chino nor Montclair have plans to implement such a system.
To ensure a sustainable and long-term solution, it is imperative that a comprehensive sewer system is implemented to replace the aging septic tanks. Regrettably, there is currently no plan by the service providers in the cities of Chino or Montclair to address this issue. Furthermore, the City of Chino has refused numerous applications to connect to their sewer service from landowners in the unincorporated area, despite having the capacity to do so.
In conclusion, while the establishment of the State Street Water Treatment Facility is commendable, it is imperative that we prioritize addressing the primary threat posed by the aging septic tanks. It is crucial that all stakeholders work together to prioritize the implementation of a comprehensive sewer system, thus safeguarding the health and well-being of our community.
Dr. Paul A. Rodriguez, former councilmember, District 1, Chino