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Residents press SFPUC for transparency on digesters, allege staff conflict
Summary
During public comment, Mr. De Costa urged greater openness about wastewater digesters and alleged corrupt practices linked to an SFPUC staff member, including a reported $200,000 transfer to Green For All; commissioners acknowledged oversight concerns and pledged additional site walkthroughs and monitoring.
Public comment at the April 9 meeting opened with a sustained appeal for transparency about the city’s wastewater digesters. Mr. De Costa, speaking for Southeast-sector advocates, said the community has seen "very little transparency on the digesters" in the past 18 months and accused SFPUC staff of practices that community members believe amount to corruption.
"In recent weeks, in the press and in other places, we have seen corruption linked to the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission," Mr. De Costa said, adding that a staff member, after gaining a position with the PUC, "transferred $200,000 to Green For All." He urged that community benefits from SSIP projects go to residents harmed by odors, methane and other local impacts.
A commissioner responded that digesters are being overseen more closely and said a staff walk-through with the general manager was planned to improve transparency. Staff noted that PUC officials are not required to respond during public comment but affirmed they would continue oversight and follow-up steps.
No investigative findings or formal disciplinary actions were presented at the meeting; the allegation was raised as public comment and remained unresolved in the record.
