Saturday, October 11, 2008

Welcome to the Plant Master Plan

Use the following links to quickly jump to the topic of interest.

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Plant Master Plan Community Advisory Group
• Documents

Plant Master Plan Frequently Asked Questions

Q. First of all, what is “the Plant” and why is it important?

A. The San Jose/Santa Clara Water Pollution Control Plant has been working around the clock since its construction in 1956 to treat the South Bay’s wastewater—whatever is flushed down sinks, toilets, and drains in homes and businesses—before discharging it into the Bay. The Plant plays a critical role in protecting both the public health and the fragile environment of the southern Bay. Of the 110 million gallons of wastewater that comes to the Plant every day, about 10% is recycled for irrigation or industrial uses after further treatment.

Q. Plant Master Plan:  What’s that?

A. A comprehensive master plan has been launched to address the driving forces that currently challenge the Plant’s future.  There are two main components to the Plant Master Plan:  1) a technical  component to address Plant operations, and 2) a land use component to address how to best use the Plant’s 2600-acre property. The planning process will take about three years; will include public review and input; and will culminate in a final plan that will chart the Plant’s course for the next 30 years.

Q. What is challenging the Plant’s future?

A. Four driving forces point to the need for a master plan:

1. Aging infrastructure - Many of the facilities and much equipment at the Plant are now exceeding their life expectancy. A recent asset study found that about $1 billion is needed to overhaul the 52-year old Plant; of this, $250 million is needed for critical items that are moving forward in the next five years. This includes replacing the Plant’s vast network of electrical cables, rebuilding five of the 16 digesters, and replacing decaying concrete.
2. Population & job growth - Even though the Plant has twice expanded, there are operational bottlenecks that must be addressed to handle current and future peak flows. The Plant’s service area now includes almost 1.4 million residents and 600,000 workers. Population and job growth are expected to continue throughout Silicon Valley.
3. Stricter regulations - Evolving state and federal water quality regulations tend to push all wastewater operations toward higher levels of compliance—which often means  investing in new ways of operating.
4. Availability of new, greener technologies - Lastly, several new technologies exist to help the Plant become a safer, more energy efficient, more sustainable operation. Residents who live in the Plant service area and who fund its operations expect the Plant to operate cost-effectively and to contribute to the region’s quality of life.

Q. Why is land use a big part of the Master Plan?

A. The Plant property covers 2,600 acres and sits adjacent to the nation’s largest urban wildlife refuge. Riparian habitat and grasslands exist near the 175-acre operations area and associated 800 acres of sludge lagoons and drying beds. There is also an 856-acre former salt production pond (Pond A18). The Plant Master Plan will explore the potential to better utilize these lands to benefit the environment and to develop the Plant as a world-class asset for the South Bay.

Q. Who is developing the Master Plan?

A. The City of San José Environmental Services Department (ESD) manages and operates the Plant on behalf of the eight cities that rely on it.  Under ESD’s direction, Carollo, Inc., an engineering firm, is developing the Master Plan.  Carollo is bringing world-renowned wastewater, energy, and land use experts to our community to help decision-makers here plan the best direction for our Plant.

Q. Who are the decision-makers and Steering Committee?

A. The city councils and sanitary districts within the Plant’s service area have final authority on the Plant Master Plan.  Representatives and staff from the cities and districts regularly participate in a Treatment Plant Advisory Committee (TPAC) and Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) related to Plant decisions and operations. A Steering Committee was formed to shepherd the Plant Master Plan, composed of ESD staff as well as staff from the tributary agencies (see front sidebar, Who Uses the Plant).  Two advisory groups—a Technical Advisory Group and a Community Advisory Group—have been formed to provide feedback on the Master Plan’s steps and unfolding progress.

Q. How can I participate and give my feedback?

A. Your input contributes to shaping a Master Plan that reflects community values.  Community meetings will be held after the project team assesses the technical options and develop alternatives for public consideration. See sidebar for contact information.

A. What is the timeline for completing the Master Plan?

A. See the timeline below for the timing of the Plant Master Plan and public input process.

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Plant Master Plan Community Advisory Group

Constructed in 1956, the San Jose/Santa Clara Water Pollution Control Plant has evolved into a world-class facility. Now over 50 years old, however, some of its most critical operational facilities are nearing the end of their service cycles and require replacement or major rehabilitation. This provides an opportunity for investigating new and greener technologies to ensure the Plant continues to operate efficiently and at the lowest feasible cost.

Members of the Community Advisory Group will participate in a three-year process to develop a Plant Master Plan, recently launched to guide improvements to the Plant’s facilities, operations and land use over the next 30 years. The Master Plan process will ensure the Plant continues its important role in protecting the environment, public health, and in supporting the region’s economy.

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Documents

• San José/Santa Clara Water Pollution Control Plant/Pond A18 Master Planning: Plant Lands Opportunities and Constraints Assessment
  This report documents a broad range of land-use opportunities and constraints (operational, physical, biological, and social) to these opportunities on the 1856 acres of land controlled by the Water Pollution Control Plant. (18.9 MB)
• San José/Santa Clara Water Pollution Control Plant/Pond A18 Master Planning: Pond A18 Existing Conditions and Opportunities and Constraints Assessment
  This report documents the current conditions and a broad range of land-use opportunities and constraints (operational, physical, biological, and social) to these opportunities on the 826 acre, former Cargill salt pond now under the control Water Pollution Control Plant. (32.9 MB)

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Last Modified Date: 10/9/2008

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