Outfall Line Construction
- Project typeSystem Improvements
- Project value$18.2 million
Project Overview
This project will construct a new pipeline to convey treated wastewater (effluent) from the Regional Water Quality Control Plant to the San Francisco Bay. The new outfall line will discharge at the existing location and for a portion will run parallel to the existing one. The new, larger pipeline (63-inch outer diameter) will address the discharge capacity to meet peak wet-weather flow, peak high tides and future sea level rise scenarios. The existing outfall line was built in 1964 and is aging. Due to its smaller size (54-inch inner diameter), it is inadequate to pass the Plant’s peak wet-weather hydraulic flow capacity of 80 million gallons per day.
Additionally, the existing 54-inch outfall needs rehabilitation, and it will be completed after the new outfall is operational as part of this project. Once rehabilitated, the 54-inch outfall pipeline, along with the new parallel outfall, are anticipated to work together to convey peak flows for 50 or more years.
Construction funding is being evaluated by staff, most likely with revenue bonds.
This project was identified in the Long-Range Facility Plan (LRFP) which was completed in 2012.
Scope of Work
- Obtain applicable permits for work at the airport, across State Lands, and adjacent to the Bay and associated habitat
- Construct a second outfall pipeline along a new alignment to the existing discharge location to the Bay
- Rehabilitate the existing outfall pipeline to prolong its useful life and provide redundancy for the new pipeline
- Construct required junction boxes, gates, and electrical controls such that the two outfall pipelines can be strategically operated individually or simultaneously
Public Impact
This project may impact traffic along Embarcadero Way during certain construction activities.
Project Milestones
- 2026 – Design to be completed
- 2027 – Construction to begin
Project Documents
Long Range Facility Plan Final Report August 2012.pdf(PDF, 41MB)
Outfall Point and New and Existing Lines.pdf(PDF, 1MB)
Project Location
2501 Embarcadero Way
