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SFPUC defends digester schedule; commissioners ask for clearer public messaging
Summary
Staff clarified that construction substantial completion for the digester project is expected in May 2024 but full commissioning and biological activation are forecast for May 2025; commissioners pressed for clearer public communication about what 'completion' means for neighbors.
At the Sept. 11 meeting the commission questioned staff about the digester facilities project timeline and apparent schedule slippage. Howard Fung, acting director of Wastewater Capital Programs, told commissioners that the construction contract is expected to reach final completion in May 2024, but the full project—including biological process commissioning and activation of the digesters—will be complete by May 2025.
Fung explained that commissioning the biological process requires time to 'seed' digesters and phase in new units while taking older units offline. "The full project will be completed and it's whole including construction, final completion and close out by May of 2025," he said. Staff and commissioners discussed how the public perceives the difference between construction completion and the date the plant is fully operational.
Commissioners requested more precise public messaging so neighbors who care most about operations, odors and when the new digesters will enter service understand the distinction between construction milestones and operational activation. Staff said they will coordinate communications and noted a staffed construction communications office at 1800 Oakdale to receive walk‑ins and disseminate schedule updates.
