What is the project?
In January 2019 the District embarked on the largest capital improvement program in its history. It’s a three-year, $64 million construction project with two major components:
- The secondary wastewater treatment plant is getting significant upgrades to replace old equipment and meet increasing regulatory compliance.
- The recycled water treatment facility is being expanded to nearly quadruple its capacity.
Aerial map showing general construction points (click to enlarge)
Why is the project needed?
With the aging of the existing equipment, along with increasing regulations, it’s necessary for the District to upgrade and expand its facilities. An upgraded treatment plant and expanded recycled water facility will better serve our customers, help protect the environment, meet increasingly-stringent regulatory requirements, and ensure that our facilities continue providing exceptional service and high-quality technical processes, for decades to come.
What are the project’s major elements?
- Expansion of the treatment plant’s capacity
- Construction of a new aeration basin for the conversion to activated sludge process
- Construction of a new primary effluent pump station and two secondary clarifiers
- Expansion of the recycled water facility’s capacity from 1.4 to over 5 million gallons per day (MGD)
- Rerouting of the force main pipeline
- Realignment of the treatment plant’s perimeter road
- Upgrades to the electrical systems at the plant, and addition of a new standby generator
- Installation of a new utility transformer, and realignment of power poles
- Upgrading of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system
- Modifications to the existing disinfection system
- Other related work such as grading, fencing, pipelines, landscaping, and paving
The project will be accomplished in multiple phases. All plant operations will continue while transitioning to the operation of the upgraded facilities.
Aerial map showing ponds (click to enlarge)
How does the project affect access to the Reclamation Ponds?
During this project, the access road will be subject to temporary traffic control and closure, along with periodic limited access to the trailhead parking area. These limitations are necessary to safely allow for construction equipment, trucks, and crews to enter the worksite via the access road.
We know that enjoyment of the District’s reclamation ponds, the bird and wildlife watching, and the great views are very important to many people – they’re important to us, too! We’re working hard to minimize disruption and maintain access to the ponds. But with a project of this magnitude, periodic interruptions to access are necessary for your safety and the safety of the construction crews. We apologize for the inconvenience.
What should I do if I’m going to the Reclamation Ponds during construction?
- Before coming to the area, check the District website for the latest update – this will tell you of upcoming access limitations (you can also sign up to receive email updates)
- Exercise extreme caution when using the access road and trailhead parking area – whether you’re in your car or on foot, you’ll be sharing the road with construction crews and equipment
- Watch out for heavy construction equipment and trucks, workers, detours, road closures, and lane reductions
- Observe all safety signage and directions from construction staff/flaggers
- If walking on the access road, stay to one side, be aware of your surroundings and of any nearby equipment or vehicles
Safety Precautions for Trail Users (click to enlarge)
Thank you for your understanding and patience. This work is being done to ensure that the District can continue to provide the exceptional service and high-quality technical processes that the community needs and deserves, for generations to come.