San Jose study session spotlights stormwater permit push, biosolids dewatering and recycling gains

City environmental and utility officials briefed the City Council on May 8 about stormwater permit implementation, biosolids processing changes at the regional wastewater facility, and progress lowering recycling contamination that staff said will save the city millions.

Jeff Provanzano, deputy director of Environmental Services, and Laurie Mitchell, director of energy, presented an overview of the Environmental and Utility Services CSA and the department dashboards. Mariana Chavez, general manager of the Regional Wastewater Facility, and Valerie Osmond, deputy director of waste management, answered council questions about biosolids energy recovery and diversion trends.

Why it matters: stormwater permit compliance carries regulatory deadlines and potential costs; changing biosolids processing affects operating costs and timing at the wastewater facility; recycling contamination affects municipal hauling costs and landfill diversion targets.

Stormwater and trash capture: staff said San Jose is close to meeting a…