Frequently Asked Questions

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1. What is a LAMP and why is Humboldt County writing one?

A Local Agency Management Program (LAMP) describes a jurisdiction’s program for managing onsite wastewater (septic) treatment systems. Humboldt County is writing one to comply with the state mandate contained in the Water Quality Control Policy for Siting, Design, Operation, and Maintenance of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS Policy). Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Policy

2. Will there be many changes from the way the county currently manages onsite wastewater systems?

This will ultimately depend on the review and recommendations of the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (NCRWQCB ) but for the most part our draft LAMP proposes to continue the same site evaluation, design and permitting requirements that are currently in practice in Humboldt. We are mandated to give extra protection to the waters of these areas: Trinidad State Beach, Luffenhholtz Beach, Moonstone Beach and Clam Beach. The draft proposal to meet this mandate is the Tier 3 Advanced Protection Management Program for Impaired Areas and begins on page 13 of the LAMP.

3. What is the timeline for submittal to NCRWQCB and what opportunities for public comment have there been/will there be?

The Humboldt County Department of Health & Human Services, Division of Environmental Health (DEH) must submit its final LAMP to the NCRWQCB by May 13, 2016.

DEH appeared before the Board of Supervisors on Oct. 7, 2014 and on Dec. 8, 2015 with information on this project and will appear before the Board again in mid April 2016. DEH held two informational meetings in spring of 2015 at which contact information was obtained for people who were interested to be kept abreast of the project. DEH has communicated with these people throughout the project.

A summary of the project has been on the Land Use webpage since August 2015 with information on how to submit questions and comments.

DEH will be taking public comment through March 5, 2016.

A further opportunity for public comment will be available when the NCRWQCB reveals its determination of Humboldt County’s LAMP to the State Water Resources Control Board.