Commission approves biosolids digester project; community urges strict delivery on environmental justice and jobs commitments

The commission approved the Biosolids Digester Facilities Project at the Southeast Treatment Plant and adopted the required CEQA findings, including a statement of overriding considerations and a Mitigation and Monitoring and Reporting Program. Wastewater capital staff described the project as a large SSIP component that replaces aging solids-handling facilities, upgrades treatment from Class B to Class A (broadening reuse options), captures biogas for heat and power (with full build-out potential cited at up to 5 megawatts) and packages odor-control measures intended to limit impacts to within the facility fence.

Project manager Carolyn Chu explained the constrained site, worker logistics plans (off-site parking and shuttles), use of modern solids-processing technologies, and an architectural approach meant to integrate the campus with other SSIP work. She said final design is roughly 95 percent complete and construction manager/general contractor (CMGC) is on board; staff requested authorization to proceed with construction pending the Board of Supervisors’ release of funds.

Commissioners pressed staff on schedule and the environmental justice (EJ) analysis. Chu said the current estimated completion is May 2024 and acknowledged a lengthy optimization period after startup. David Gray, acting community benefits director, described EJ recommendations that are either underway or in planning: publicly accessible EV charging and bike-path coordination with MTA, emissions monitoring and potential localized offsets (for example, replacement of wood-burning fireplaces), stronger street sweeping and targeted workforce outcomes including paid internships (150–200 Bayview residents annually), pre-apprenticeship pathways and barrier removal services delivered in partnership with city workforce programs.

A large group of community members and advisory commissioners spoke in favor of the project but stressed accountability. Public commenters — including the Southeast Community Facility Commission, community leaders and long-time Bayview residents — urged strict implementation of EJ recommendations, robust emissions/odor monitoring, concrete targets for local hiring and apprenticeship clarity and preservation of community land uses (debate arose over 1550 Evans and whether it should remain a community center rather than be repurposed for housing). Several speakers expressed concern about last-minute changes to land-use proposals and sought transparent follow-through on community-benefits commitments.

Action and next steps: Commissioners moved, seconded and approved the item. Staff will proceed to construction planning subject to the Board of Supervisors’ release of the necessary funds, and the commission asked staff to return with a deeper briefing on the EJ analysis and implementation details for workforce pathways and monitoring measures.