SFPUC presents Crystal Springs–San Andreas transmission upgrade draft EIR to Planning Commission

SFPUC staff and Planning Department environmental analysts presented the draft environmental impact report (EIR) for the Crystal Springs–San Andreas transmission upgrade project during the Dec. 10 Planning Commission meeting. The project, sponsored by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, proposes seismic and reliability upgrades across five major components in the Peninsula Watershed, including upgrades to culverts and outlet structures, a new pump station and replacement of portions of the 60‑inch transmission pipeline.

Tasso Mavrunas, the SFPUC project manager, described the system’s role as a backup and peak supply path for peninsula water service and said parts of the transmission were over a century old and cross or straddle the San Andreas Fault. He said the project area spans about 135 acres and roughly eight miles of pipeline and that required upgrades address seismic vulnerability, access roads and hydraulic improvements. The draft EIR was published Nov. 5 and the public comment period remains open through Dec. 21; staff noted that comments would be transcribed and addressed in a comments‑and‑responses document and that this public hearing was for comment on the draft EIR, not project approval.

A number of commissioners thanked the SFPUC for outreach and noted the technical quality of the EIR. Staff reminded attendees that a later hearing will address project approval by the SFPUC following final EIR certification.