The Ross Valley Sanitary District has taken a significant step towards improving its sewer infrastructure by approving a consultant services agreement with West Valley Construction during a meeting on December 20, 2023. The board authorized the general manager to execute this agreement for design and engineering services related to the fiscal year 2024-2025 gravity sewer improvement project, with a budget of $517,232.

This project aims to replace approximately 2.8 miles of gravity sewer pipes in the towns of Fairfax, San Anselmo, and Greenbrae. The areas selected for improvement were determined through an updated infrastructure asset management plan, which identifies high-risk pipes and problematic maintenance lines. The first targeted area includes critical sections in downtown Fairfax and other locations that have experienced sewer overflows.

Senior engineer Phil Benedetti highlighted the importance of this project, noting that it addresses long-standing issues and integrates feedback from maintenance staff to ensure effective solutions. The design phase is expected to be completed by November 2024, with construction slated to begin in February 2025 and conclude by November of the same year.

West Valley Construction, the selected consultant, brings valuable experience to the project, having previously worked with the district on updating standards and other sewer improvement initiatives. Their approach emphasizes minimizing community disruption through innovative construction techniques.

The board also opened the floor for public comments, although no members of the public were present to address the board. The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the district's commitment to enhancing its sewer infrastructure, ensuring better service and reliability for the community.