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SFPUC quarterly capital report: BDFP reaches major construction milestones as SSIP remains a $4.7 billion program
Summary
SFPUC staff reported construction progress across wastewater projects, including the Southeast Plant biosolids digester (BDFP) now over 80% complete in construction and forecast variances tied to a $164.5 million biogas component and a $44 million Lower Alemany stormwater project.
Bessie Tam, Wastewater Enterprise Capital Programs Director, told the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission that the department’s Q2 fiscal-year 2024–25 capital report shows substantial progress across the Sewer System Improvement Program (SSIP) and the Southeast Plant biosolids digester facility (BDFP).
“Construction as of this quarter is over 80% complete,” Tam said, summarizing the BDFP construction status and noting the overall program is more than 60% complete. She said the SSIP remains a $4.7 billion approved program and identified two primary sources of recent forecast variances: the BDFP’s biogas-utilization component, which the presentation lists with an estimated budget of $164,500,000, and the Lower Alemany area stormwater improvement project at about $44,000,000.
Why it matters: the SSIP funds dozens of sewer and facility upgrades across the system and these forecast variances reflect both new design information and the complexities of coordinating with third parties, including Caltrans, for staging and approvals. Tam said that a shift from a public–private partnership to a design–build delivery for the biogas work contributed to the change in the project estimate.
Support details: Tam showed photos and construction highlights, including a cure-in-place liner installation on Golden Gate Avenue that restored roughly 400 feet of pipe in four workdays, and new primary power work at the West Side pump station where PG&E energized the new feed. She said some projects moved from design into multi-phase status and that cost increases for certain pipeline projects were offset by savings on others.
Commissioners asked technical follow-ups. On brick sewers, Tam explained staff conduct condition assessments to determine whether lining will suffice or whether more invasive repairs are required; contractors may need to enter and patch pipes before lining if voids are present. On Headworks facility performance testing, Tam said she had no immediate test results and offered to provide a follow-up briefing.
Next steps: Tam said additional detailed scope and budget updates will be considered in the 10-year capital planning and budget process as projects progress from condition assessment into planning, design and construction.
