The SFPUC conducted a two-part planning process to identify and evaluate recommended improvements, drawing on extensive input from the public and technical and citizens advisory groups.  First, staff developed and evaluated “technical” alternatives to address aging infrastructure, planned growth, and future regulations.  Then, the team evaluated proposed improvements based on community values.  The San Francisco Planning Department began environmental review of the proposed draft Master Plan in fall 2008, per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

The draft Master Plan outlines a proposed program to maintain and improve the system, which includes a number of recommended projects.  Overall, the SFPUC focused on improvements that would minimize negative impacts of the Southeast Wastewater Treatment Plant in the Bayview community, and address citywide problems such as, flooding, aging sewer pipes, and the need for increased sustainability in a way that best accomplishes these goals and minimizes costs to ratepayers.  

Broadly, the recommended program in the Master Plan is intended to help:

·         Ensure seismic and structural reliability of all treatment facilities

·         Ensure operating reliability and flexibility:

o        Ensure all treatment facilities and pump stations operate well and meet regulatory requirements

o        Replace aging sewers and improve sewers to handle 97 percent of anticipated storms

·         Minimize neighborhood impacts:

o        Eliminate odors past the fence line of any treatment facility

o        Keep noise above 70 decibels at the fence line of any treatment facility

o        Minimize traffic and visual impacts on areas surrounding treatment facilities

·         Protect the environment and public health:

o        Maintain full treatment of dry-weather flow with no dry-weather discharges of untreated sewage

o        Reduce wet-weather overflow volume

·         Minimize use of natural resources:

o        Provide 40 percent of on-site renewable energy at the treatment facilities

o        Provide Class A treatment of biosolids (sludge) to ensure continued reuse

o        Provide recycled water

o        Implement stormwater reduction

Find out more on the following pages:
 
Recommended Improvements: Learn about improvements and projects outlined in the draft Master Plan
Low Impact Development: Find out how low impact development can be achieved
Related programs: Get information on related City programs
Other community case studies: Check out similar projects other cities have done

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