Committee adopts CEQA findings for Southeast plant headworks project; index-code correction approved

Karen Kubik, wastewater enterprise capital program director for the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, presented the Source System Improvement Program (SSIP) and the Southeast Water Pollution Control Plant headworks project to the committee, describing the need for seismic upgrades, odor control improvements and pretreatment of large screenings and grit. Kubik said the total SSIP is $6,900,000,000, Phase 1 is $2.9 billion, and the headworks project budget is $359,000,000 with $256,000,000 earmarked for construction; construction is expected to begin in August with a five-year timeline.

Kubik requested adoption of the mitigated negative declaration, CEQA findings, and the mitigation monitoring and reporting program, and invited the committee to authorize the controller to release appropriated funds. She noted the project area has elevated archaeological sensitivity and described proposed clean-construction practices to limit emissions during construction.

The single public speaker, David Pilpel, spoke in support and recommended a technical amendment to correct the project title/indexing under the city—s financial system. Supervisor Peskin moved an amendment to correct the index code on line 12 to read "CWWSIPSE02" and Supervisor Kim seconded; the committee adopted the clerical correction and then approved the item as amended without objection.

Kubik said the PUC is pursuing low-interest State Revolving Loan funds in parallel and that the Commission had already authorized funds on February 28; staff will return to the committee on other SSIP components, including biosolids, which may generate more public comment.