Newsletter – Summer 2024
The Clean Water Program is a comprehensive plan to upgrade the aging wastewater collection and treatment system with advanced infrastructure that provides reliable services for years to come to several communities in the San Francisco Bay area, including the cities of San Mateo, Foster City, and portions of Hillsborough, Belmont, Crystal Springs County Sanitation District, and the County of San Mateo. Many of these improvements have been completed or are near completion.
The Clean Water Program has made improvements to the wastewater treatment plant, sewer collection pipes, pump stations, and has constructed a new underground flow equalization system facility to improve the capacity of the system. These improvements align with the City’s sustainability goals.
This newsletter includes updates on CWP projects that have been completed recently or are still active. Detailed information can be found on our website.
¿Preguntas? Para información en español, haga el favor de llamar al (650) 522-7298.
Underground Flow Equalization System
Underground Flow Equalization System Substantially Complete
Our Underground Flow Equalization System (UFES) project has reached the milestone that our community has been eagerly awaiting – it is substantially complete! Remaining work is minimal and includes site cleanup, installation of final pieces of performance equipment, removal of a temporary barrier at the new site entrance, and some minor landscape work around the project areas. The major accomplishment of the project is the 5.3-million-gallon UFES structure beneath the parking lot of the San Mateo County Event Center. Other than a small operations building, the entire structure and associated equipment is underground. The system operated successfully during preliminary tests in the last rainy season and is ready to minimize future sewer overflows.
We would like to extend our appreciation to our community for your continued patience and cooperation throughout the design and construction process.
For more detailed information about the UFES project, please visit our UFES page. You can also e-mail info@CleanWaterProgramSanMateo.org, or call the UFES hotline at (650) 522-7250.
Wastewater Treatment Plant
Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade Project Achieving Milestones
The Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) upgrade project continues to make significant progress and achieve important construction milestones. Phases 1 & 2 construction activities were completed last year. Phase 3 construction activities are approximately 85 percent complete, and we anticipate starting up the new processes in February 2025. The installation of the yard piping was completed except for connecting the existing force mains to the new headworks, which is scheduled for January 2025. Last year, PG&E and AT&T relocated their existing facilities, which removed their utilities from the treatment plant property.
The City’s contractor completed the installation of over 8,000 tons of rebar and 33,000 cubic yards of concrete for the new processes portion of the project in late April 2023. Electrical equipment installation in the Membrane Bioreactors (MBR) and Headworks electrical buildings is nearing completion. Mechanical equipment, including the preliminary screens, grit chambers, grit washers, and fine screens have been installed in the Headworks Area. Mechanical equipment and pipes in the Membrane Permeate Pump Room; Recycled Activated Sludge Pump Room; East, West, and North Corridors have been installed. Equipment for the Odor Control Room is complete. Chemical Area construction and storage tanks and associated pumping equipment installation, is nearing completion.
The City’s contractor has finalized the construction of the primary clarifiers with the installation of the chain of flight and baffles. The Primary Clarifier Basins, Primary Effluent Pump Station (PEPS), Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) Basins, Bio- Actiflo Basin, the MBR Cassette Basins, Mix Liquor Channel, have all passed the leak test. Over the next four months, we anticipate all remaining electrical and mechanical equipment to be installed in the new process areas.
The new Administration Building is substantially complete, and installation of the furnishings occurred in June 2024. Warehouse construction is substantially complete, and a temporary occupancy is scheduled for early September 2024. Upgrades to the Sodium Hypochlorite bulk tanks, day tanks and transfer pumps have been completed. The upgrades to the Sodium Bisulfite tanks and transfer pumps are nearing completion. The upgrades to the existing Chlorine Contact Basins are 95% completed.
Here is a brief summary of upcoming Phase 3 plant construction milestones:
- New Processes Ready for Testing – November 2024
- Clean Water Testing of New Processes – December 2024
- Plant Seeding – late January 2025
- New Processes Startup – February 2025
- New Processes Substantially Completed – March 2025
- Exterior Site improvements Completed – May 2025
- Conversion of Aeration Basins to Flow Equalization Basins – October 2025
- Construction Completed – October 2025
- Project Completed – December 2025
For more information about our exciting new plant, please visit our WWTP page. You can also e-mail info@CleanWaterProgramSanMateo.org, or call us at (650) 727-6870.
El Camino Real Sewer Capacity Improvements Project Ahead of Schedule
The El Camino Real (ECR) Sewer Capacity Improvements Project began in Spring 2024. Activity includes installation of approximately 7,800 linear feet of pipe, including new and upsized relief sewers and manhole installations. These upgrades will reinforce our sewer system with additional capacity that will help reduce sewer overflows, and they will help prevent contamination of our streets, creeks, lagoons, beaches, and the San Francisco Bay from sewer overflow.
Construction is occurring in sections divided into Areas 1, 2, and 3 along, or adjacent to, El Camino Real as shown in the figure.
Updates for Areas 1, 2 and 3 are as follows:
Area 1: Flores St. between W. 25th Ave. and 28th Ave. – Sewer installation was completed in June. Construction material (steel plates & manholes) is currently staged on Flores just south of 25th Ave. and will start to thin out as the ECR North work progresses through September.
Area 1: 28th Ave. between Flores St. and Juniper St. – Sewer installation was completed in June.
Area 1: Juniper St. between 28th Ave. and 29th Ave. – Sewer installation was completed in August.
All three Area 1 segments’ remaining work includes pipe and manhole testing (manhole access only), and final trench paving. This work will potentially be scheduled in early October/Thanksgiving week to coincide with school break to lessen school and neighborhood impacts.
Area 1: W. 25th Ave. at El Camino Real – Construction is expected to begin in Fall. This work will be performed at night (10 p.m. to 6 a.m.).
Area 2: Colegrove St. between 36th Ave. and W. 39th Ave. – Sewer and storm drain installation was completed in July. Remaining work includes manhole cover concrete collars, pipe and manhole testing, sidewalk/curb ramp construction at the 38th Ave. intersection, and final trench paving. Schedules for these activities may vary, but the work is expected to occur in September and October.
Area 2: 36th Ave. between El Camino Real and Colegrove St. – Sewer installation was completed in August. Remaining work includes manhole cover concrete collars, pipe and manhole testing, and final trench paving. This work is expected to occur in September and October.
Area 2: El Camino Real southbound from north of Hillsdale intersection to W. 36th Ave. – Estimated completion is anticipated in mid-November. Sewer installation work began in late August with night work (10 p.m. to 6 a.m.), continuing through early to mid-October depending on construction progress. Final paving restoration may extend into November depending on weather impacts.
Also, along this segment, cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining work is scheduled to run concurrently with the sewer installation work. However, depending on the condition of the siphon section and potential additional remediation work, this may require coordinating work during dry weather periods.
Area 3: El Camino Real southbound between W. 38th Ave. and W. 42nd Ave. – Sewer installation was completed in July. Remaining work (likely day work) includes manhole cover concrete collars, pipe and manhole testing, and final trench paving. This work should likely occur in October and November.
Notifications will continue to be distributed prior to the start of construction to alert potentially affected property owners and occupants.
The El Camino Real Sewer Capacity Improvements Project is part of our ongoing commitment to complete our Basin 2 & 3 Sewer Capacity Improvements. We appreciate the public’s continued patience and cooperation as we make steady progress toward the completion of these improvements. Please visit El Camino Real Sewer Capacity Improvements – Clean Water Program San Mateo for complete project details or contact Makarand Pendse, Project Manager, at 925.392.3726 or makarand.pendse@jacobs.com.
Dale Avenue Pump Station Project- Generator Foundation and Installation Work Begins August 2024
The purpose of the new emergency standby generator is to provide power supply to the pump station in the event of a power outage. The pump station is vital for the operation of the City’s sewer system and must remain operational 24/7. The new generator will be installed east of the existing pump station building, as shown in the image below.
The City’s contractor, Anvil Builders, Inc., performed cable trenching and ducting work in March 2024. Starting in late August 2024, piling work and construction of a concrete foundation pad began, and will be followed by installation of a new generator, cabling work, start-up and testing. This work will be performed using a drilling machine for the piles, concrete machinery, trucks for haulage and disposal, and a large crane to install the generator. The overall duration of the work is anticipated to be four months. All work will be performed within the Dale Ave Pump Station parcel. Work will take place between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
During the installation of the generator, residents can expect to experience some short-term inconveniences, such as noise and vibration due to trucks and equipment operating around and at the site. Mitigation measures will remain in place to minimize the effects of the project on residents. Notifications will be distributed to potentially affected neighbors prior to work beginning.
For more project information, please visit our Dale Avenue Pump Station page or contact CWP Project Manager Makarand Pendse at (925) 392-3726 or makarand.pendse@jacobs.com.
For general questions and information about the San Mateo Clean Water Program please call (650) 727-6870, or email info@CleanWaterProgramSanMateo.org.
Delaware Street Sewer Relief Sewer Project Complete
The Delaware Street Relief Sewer Project constructed approximately 3,100 feet of new high-flow relief gravity sewer line that generally paralleled the existing gravity sewer along Delaware Avenue. The project was in the Caltrain right-of-way between the north end of the Hillsdale Caltrain Station parking lot near 28th Avenue to the junction of Pacific Blvd and Delaware Street.
Construction of the Delaware Street Sewer Relief Sewer Project began in June 2022 and the final construction phase was completed ahead of schedule in July 2024. The final phase of construction involved installation of manholes and interconnecting sewers at the junction of Pacific Boulevard and South Delaware Street. The work of pavement restoration and sidewalk restoration was completed in July 2024.
The Delaware Street Project is part of the Basin 2 & 3 Collection System Upgrade to improve the ability of the overall wastewater collection system to manage heavy seasonal rainfall. These improvements will help prevent sewer overflows, as well as help the City comply with regulatory requirements. During heavy rains, the wastewater collection system capacity was overwhelmed by the amount of rainwater that enters the system through infiltration and inflow, which caused sewer overflows at locations around San Mateo, such as manholes and at the wastewater treatment plant. These overflows were contaminating city streets, creeks, lagoons, beaches, and San Francisco Bay.
The Basin 2 & 3 package of conveyance improvements includes four independent pipe upgrades that total approximately 16,000 feet of pipe, including new relief sewers and extensions and size increases to existing lines.
For more project information, please visit our Delaware Street Relief Sewer Project page or contact CWP Project Manager Makarand Pendse at (925) 392-3726 or makarand.pendse@jacobs.com.
For general questions and information about the San Mateo Clean Water Program please call (650) 727-6870, or email info@CleanWaterProgramSanMateo.org.
Sewer Rehabilitation Projects
In San Mateo, wastewater from homes and businesses is collected via a network of pipes, manholes, and pump stations. The City collection system includes about 240 miles of pipelines, 6,000 manholes, and 27 pump stations. This system transports wastewater to the treatment plant for treatment and eventual discharge into the San Francisco Bay. The Sewer Rehabilitation Project consists of areas divided into five basins, identified as Basins A through E, which are part of the City of San Mateo’s rehabilitation of the overall wastewater collection system.
For more information about the Sewer Improvement Projects, please call (650) 727-6870, or email info@CleanWaterProgramSanMateo.org or contact CWP Project Manager Laura Webb at (650) 522-7322 or lwebb@cityofsanmateo.org.
¿Preguntas? Para información en español, haga el favor de llamar al (650) 522-7298.
A Basin (North Basin) Sewer Rehabilitation Project Repair Work is Complete
Basin A covers the northern portion of San Mateo, including the North Central, North Shoreview, San Mateo Park, San Mateo Heights, and a portion of Baywood neighborhoods (see map). The purpose of the Basin A Sewer Rehabilitation Project is to repair and rehabilitate existing sanitary sewer pipelines and manholes. Repair work on sewer pipes and manholes began in August 2022 and was completed in July 2024.
E Basin (South Basin) Sewer Rehabilitation Project Construction is on Schedule
The Basin E project began construction in Fall 2023, estimated to be completed in Fall 2024. Notifications will continue to be sent to residents and businesses prior to the start of work, and the contractor will provide additional notices two to three days prior to starting work in your area.
Basin E includes the southern portion of the City, west of El Camino Real. The purpose of the E Basin Sewer Rehabilitation Project is to repair and rehabilitate existing sanitary sewer pipeline and manholes.
Basin E focuses on two types of work:
- Gravity Sewer System – Spot and segment repairs
- Manholes – Repairs and replacements
During this project work, contractors are repairing damaged or displaced 6-, 8-, and 10-inch-diameter sanitary sewer mains with the same size pipe at 343 locations. Work also includes rehabilitating 212 manholes with lining, repairing channels and benches, and fully removing and replacing select manholes. Common manhole rehabilitation methods include (1) replacing the frame and cover, and (2) applying cement mortar as a binding agent to the inside surfaces.
B Basin (West Basin) Sewer Rehabilitation Construction is Ongoing
Basin B includes downtown San Mateo, and those City areas west of El Camino Real between Highway 92 and Crystal Springs Road. Basin B serves as the collection system for public and commercial centers, such as Downtown San Mateo as well as several residential neighborhoods.
Rehab construction began in April 2024 and is expected to be completed by Spring 2025. Basin B work is occurring at multiple sites within the public right-of-way (ROW) and within easements on private property, including front yards, backyards, and driveways.
Prior to the start of work, easement access notifications are being mailed to residents and businesses in the affected area. The contractor will provide additional notices two to three days prior to work starting in specific areas of B Basin.
C Basin (East Basin) Design Completed and Construction to Begin Winter 2025
As part of the City of San Mateo Clean Water Program, crews performed Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) inspections for the C Basin project. Crews utilized a remote-controlled camera to help the City check the condition of pipes and obtain information that enables the City to identify problem areas in the collection system.
The design process was completed in Summer 2024 and the project will go through the construction bid process before a contract is awarded. Construction is estimated to begin in Winter 2025.
Cleaning and CCTV inspections of approximately 40,000 linear feet of pipe in the public right-of-way, 110,000 linear feet within easements on private property, and approximately 800 manholes CCTV inspections were completed in July 2023.
D Basin (Central Basin) Sewer Rehabilitation Initial Design Underway
D Basin covers San Mateo area south of State Route (SR) 92 and southwest of Highway 101, with a smaller portion extending to the north side of SR 92. Basin D serves as the collection system for public and commercial centers, such as the Peninsula Golf and Country Club and the San Mateo County Event Center, as well as several residential neighborhoods such as Hayward Park, Sunnybrae, Bay Meadows, Beresford Manor, San Mateo Village and Lauriedale (see map).
The D Basin Sewer Rehabilitation project includes cleaning and CCTV inspection of:
- Approximately 121,400 linear feet of pipe in the public right-of-way
- Approximately 84,000 linear feet in easements on private property
- Approximately 700 manholes in the public right-of-way and 300 manholes in easements on private property
CCTV work in D Basin was completed in December 2023. Initial design work was completed in August 2024. Detailed design work is expected to be completed in Fall 2024. The project will go through the construction bid process before a contract is awarded.
For more information about the Sewer Improvement Project, please call (650) 727-6870, or email info@CleanWaterProgramSanMateo.org or contact CWP Project Manager Laura Webb at (650) 522-7322 or lwebb@cityofsanmateo.org.
¿Preguntas? Para información en español, haga el favor de llamar al (650) 522-7298.