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Iron House Sanitation District outlines $50 million capital plan, energy upgrades and May 19 Prop 218 hearing
Summary
Iron House Sanitation District told the Oakley City Council it plans about $50 million in capital investments over five years — roughly $24 million for the collection system and $24.5 million for the water recycling facility — and said a Prop 218 notice and public hearing on rates is scheduled for May 19.
Dana Gemmell, district engineer for Iron House Sanitation District, told the Oakley City Council the district serves Oakley and approximately 2,200 people in Bethel Island and is approaching 47,000–48,000 residents and businesses. She said Iron House operates sewer collections, a water recycling facility (WRF) and the Jersey Island conveyance system, and employs about 33 staff.
Gemmell summarized recent master plans and studies covering wastewater treatment, biosolids management, collection system needs, technology upgrades, solar and cost of service. She said the WRF — built in 2011 — achieves nutrient removal and produces recycled water discharged through Jersey Island into the San Joaquin River.
The district currently operates a 1.1-megawatt solar system that Gemmell said provides roughly 42% of the plant’s energy needs. She said the district is negotiating to add about 1.5 megawatts of additional storage and batteries to shave costs during peak hours.
On capital spending, Gemmell said Iron House plans to invest about $50,000,000 over the next five years. She said about half that — just under $24,000,000 — will go to the collection system, including a parallel 14-inch force main intended to improve bypass and resiliency. She said roughly $24,500,000 is planned for WRF projects; other work includes upgrades at 32 pump stations, SCADA and radio replacements, and about $3,000,000 for pipe renovations coordinated with the city’s paving program.
Gemmell also said the district is exploring options to manage biosolids costs and greenhouse-gas impacts, including potential on-site facilities, and noted the district is entertaining a contract with Diablo Water for the sale of Jersey Island planned to complete by the end of calendar year 2026.
The district will send a Prop 218 notice and has scheduled a public hearing on rates for May 19 at 6:30 p.m., Gemmell said. Council members asked logistics questions about that date and thanked Iron House staff for the briefing.
Votes at a glance: The council approved the consent calendar by roll call 4–0 during the same meeting.
