Headworks Facility Replacement
- Project typeSystem Improvements
- Project value$55.8 million
Project Overview
A new preliminary treatment facility (a.k.a. headworks facility) will be constructed at the Regional Water Quality Control Plant. It will replace aging infrastructures and equipment for preliminary treatment of raw sewage. Because of old age and obsolete technology, the existing equipment cannot remove as much grit and screenings as a newer system can. Heavy winter storms can overload the system with large amounts of grit and damage sludge collection equipment in the primary sedimentation tanks. This occurred in January 2023. The upgraded system will solve this problem. This project includes a new and centralized pumping plant; influent flow diversion structure; modern equipment for debris, rags and grit removal; and upgraded ancillary systems to improve reliability and resiliency.
This project is still seeking additional funding. Financing through the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) administered Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) and the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) program loans will be pursued for the detailed design and construction of this project. If these lower-interest loans cannot be obtained, bond financing will be considered. Partner agencies’ approval to repay the loans is required.
This project was identified in the Long-Range Facility Plan (LRFP) which was completed in 2012.
Rendered Image: Courtesy of Carollo Engineers
Scope of Work
- Site preparation to demolish an abandoned 120 foot diameter concrete tank inside the Plant
- At the location where the aforementioned concrete tank is removed, construct a new headworks facility that will house screening, pumping, grit removal, and ancillary electrical equipment
- Install ancillary systems such as an odor control system to collect and treat sewer off gas, and a backup generator to increase system reliability
- Construct a new influent flow diversion structure to replace the aging influent junction box and to properly isolate and divert flows to the new headworks facility
- Rehabilitate the existing 60 inch diameter force main and primary influent channel conveying raw sewage from the new headworks facility to the primary sedimentation tanks
- Decommission and demolish abandoned pumping plants and preliminary treatment equipment
Public & Environmental Impact
Potential impacts to the public and environment will be assessed during detailed design phase and updated later.
Project Milestones
- Spring 2024 to Spring 2025 – Selected a consultant to perform planning and preliminary design
- Summer 2025 to Fall 2025 – Procure a consultant for detailed design, and obtain approval from partner agencies and City Council
- Winter 2026 to Fall 2027– Complete detailed design
- Fall 2026 – Apply for WIFIA and CWSRF loan
- Summer 2028 – Issue Invitation for Bid for construction
- Winter 2029 – Construction begins
- Fall 2032 – Construction completion
Project Documents
Long Range Facility Plan Final Report August 2012.pdf(PDF, 41MB)
Project Location
2501 Embarcadero Way
