Milpitas adopts updated sewer system management plan required by state water board

The Milpitas City Council voted unanimously June 17 to certify the city’s 2025 Sewer System Management Plan, an updated document that codifies inspection, maintenance and emergency response procedures required under state waste‑discharge rules.

Public Works staff explained the plan implements the State Water Resources Control Board’s order requiring sanitary sewer management plans (WDRs). The SSMP documents the city’s operation and maintenance program for the sewer collection system, condition assessment and rehabilitation planning, preventive maintenance and an updated spill emergency response plan.

Public Works officials said about 70% of Milpitas’s collection system was built before 1990, that the system includes approximately five miles of force mains, and that the plan introduces modernized mapping and use of technology — including 33 “smart covers” that monitor manholes — to detect surcharges before overflows occur.

Staff described a multi‑category spill reporting system tied to the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS/CWICs), including reporting timeframes and roles of legally responsible officials; staff said the city has trended better than the state average for significant spills and that staff now conduct internal audits every three years.

Councilmember Chua asked for SSO statistics; staff referred the council to the SSMP included in the packet and said Milpitas had been trending better than the state average and had not recorded any Category 1 spills recently. After brief questions, councilmember Chua moved to adopt the resolution certifying the SSMP; the motion passed 5‑0 (Barbadillo — aye; Chua — aye; Lam — aye; Lian — aye; Mayor Montano — aye).

The SSMP will be maintained as a living document and returned for formal review no later than every six years and through internal audits every three years.