Construction at the Southeast Treatment Plant
Overview
The Southeast Treatment Plant (SEP) operates 24/7 to protect public health and the environment. San Francisco has relied on SEP to treat the majority of its wastewater for the past 70 years and we are making generational investments so this vital facility can continue to work around the clock.
As we continue to make progress with our infrastructure investments, we are proud to be providing jobs and contracting opportunities to local residents and businesses. When complete, the plant will work better, look better, and smell better for the community and entire City!
Construction Look-Ahead:
2023 will be one of the busiest years. Along Evans Avenue, the New Headworks Facility Project is expected to complete construction and begin testing. You will also see installation of our permanent art wall – and an improved streetscape -- along Evans Ave.
- With the peak of the work over the summer, expect additional vehicles and crews in the area with occasional inconveniences due to trucks and increased construction activities.
- Stay Up to Date: Sign up for Sewer News from the Bayview.
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Project Background
Built in 1952 in Bayview-Hunters Point, the Southeast Treatment Plant is the City’s largest wastewater treatment facility, but many of its facilities are past their useful life and generate odors that impact the neighborhood. We are investing over $3 billion in critical upgrades to transform this facility into a modern resource recovery center an attractive workplace and neighborhood asset.
Two of the largest projects are the Biosolids Digester Facilities Project (BDFP) and New Headworks Facility Project.
Projects at the SEP will:
- Continue to protect public health and the environment
- Minimize odors using advanced odor control
- Increase operational reliability and efficiency of the treatment processes
- Improve the ability to withstand a 7.8 earthquake on the San Andreas Fault
- Provide a more attractive look to the facilities to better fit in with the neighborhood
- Fund public art by local artists in support of the Bayview Arts Master Plan
- Provide opportunities for local workers and businesses
Funding for this project has been provided in full or in part through an agreement with the State Water Resources Control Board. California’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund is capitalized through a variety of funding sources, including grants from the United States Environmental Protection Agency and state bond proceeds. The contents of this document do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the foregoing, nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.
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Construction Progress
New Headworks Facility: This past year, New Headworks completed much of its structural work and installation of the 84” pipe visible along Evans Avenue. Crews are busy completing the facilities including installing electrical, fire protection, ventilation, and mechanical systems. Next year, the project will test and start up the new facility. Anticipated completion is Winter 2024.
Be sure to look for Jamari’s Journey, a mural along Evans Avenue by local artist Nancy Cato on display for one year. One more art mural will be installed fall/winter 2023.
Biosolids Digester Facilities (BDFP): With major soil excavation and pile work completed, this past year, our largest project, finished the concrete foundation for the five digester vessels. Currently, crews are erecting the digester skirt walls which will hold the egg-shaped digesters and pouring mat foundations for the adjacent Solids Pretreatment Building. Anticipated completion for the project is 2028.
Award Winning: In addition, last year, the project achieved the Envision Platinum award for sustainable infrastructure from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI). This is ISI’s highest certification level! The Envision award is comparable to the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) building certification but for public and private industrial infrastructure.
New Biogas Utilization Project: As part of the Biosolids Digester Facilities Program, the Biogas Utilization Project will provide 100% beneficial use of the biogas generated by the digesters during the solids-digestion treatment process. The Project will convert the biogas into renewable natural gas to enhance sustainability, reliability, and affordability. Producing RNG is in line with City and State renewable energy and sustainability policies and practices as it displaces the use of fossil fuels. This represents the best beneficial use of this valuable resource and exemplifies SFPUC’s role as environmental stewards.
Jobs and Contracts: We are proud of the success our Local Hire and Local Contracting efforts are having in meeting or exceeding the City’s aggressive goals. Check out the most recent SSIP Jobs & Contracts report. You can also keep up to date with our Project Labor Agreement.
- Project Materials
