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SFPUC outlines sewer system condition and master plan, highlights $150 million capital program
Summary
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission officials described the city's combined sewer system, treatment plants, biosolids processing and a proposed sewer master plan that addresses aging infrastructure, odors, seismic stability and sea‑level rise; SFPUC said a $150 million capital program is underway to address immediate needs.
Susan Leal, general manager of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, presented an overview of the city's combined sewer system and the SFPUC's sewer master plan work.
Leal described the city's system as unique in California: a citywide combined sewer system that collects stormwater and sewage together and routes it to treatment. She outlined the network of roughly 1,000 miles of sewer pipes, three treatment facilities (Southeast, Oceanside, North Point), and storage boxes around the city's perimeter with a combined capacity the commission characterized as approximately 200 million gallons.
SFPUC staff described the treatment process — screening, primary and secondary clarification, aeration and digestion of biosolids — and noted the agency produces roughly 200 tons of biosolids per day and captures methane that supplies about 30 percent of each plant's energy needs. The commission also described pilot low‑impact stormwater projects and a fats, oils and grease (FOG) biofuel program that aims to convert waste grease into biofuel.
Leal said more than 70 percent of the system is over 70 years old, calling for long‑term planning. The SFPUC presented a San Francisco Sewer System Master Plan intended to guide improvements over 30–50 years, addressing odor concerns at the Southeast Treatment Plant, aesthetics, seismic stability and vulnerabilities to sea‑level rise. Meanwhile, Leal said the SFPUC is in the midst of a roughly $150 million wastewater capital improvement program to address immediate needs such as flood risk reduction, odor reduction and reliability.
The presentation included invitations to public workshops and a website where residents could comment as the agency develops the master plan. SFPUC staff encouraged public input and noted ongoing capital projects already completed since 2005 to reduce flood risk and improve system reliability.
No formal board action was taken on the presentation itself; the session was informational.
