HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-11546 adopting the 2025 Sewer System Management Plan UpdateR 11546
RESOLUTION NO. 11546 (2025 SERIES)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS
OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING THE 2025 SEWER SYSTEM
MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE
WHEREAS, the State Water Resources Control Board adopted Statewide General
Waste Discharge Requirements for publicly owned sanitary sewer systems requiring the
development and implementation of a system-specific local Sewer System Management
Plan (SSMP) that documents a comprehensive program for sewer system operation,
maintenance and repair; and
WHEREAS, the City Council approved the City’s first SSMP at a public meeting
on May 5, 2009 (Resolution No. 10077); and
WHEREAS, the City Council approved an update to the SSMP at a public meeting
on May 20, 2014 (Resolution No. 10522); and
WHEREAS, the City Council approved an update to the SSMP at a public meeting
on May 7, 2019 (Resolution No. 11006); and
WHEREAS; the SSMP shall be updated every five years, must include any
significant changes and be approved by the City Council; and
WHEREAS; the City has therefore prepared an updated SSMP for public review
and a properly noticed public meeting regarding the SSMP update was held by the City
Council on March 4, 2025; and
WHEREAS, the City of San Luis Obispo did prepare and shall file a recertification
after the adoption of the SSMP update with the State Water Resources Control Board.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Luis
Obispo as follows:
SECTION 1. The 2025 Sewer System Management Plan for the City of San Luis
Obispo, consisting of a comprehensive update of the existing 2019 SSMP to comply with
the adopted statewide General Waste Discharge Requirements for Sanitary Sewer
Systems, Water Quality Order No. 2022-0103-DWQ, presented to the Council on March
4, 2025, attached as Exhibit A is hereby adopted.
Resolution No. 11546 (2025 Series) Page 2
R 11546
SECTION 2. The adoption of the 2025 Sewer System Management Plan is hereby
determined to be exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality
Act pursuant to Section 21000 et seq. of the California Public Resources Code, pursuant
to Section 21150 of the California Environmental Quality Act and Section 15262 of the
CEQA Guidelines. Further, adoption of the Plan is exempt from environmental review
because the action does not involve any commitment to a specific project which may
result in a potentially significant physical impact on the environment, as contemplated by
Title 14, California Code of Regulations, Section 15378.
Upon motion of Council Member Francis, seconded by Council Member Boswell,
and on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Council Member Boswell, Francis, Marx, Vice Mayor Shoresman,
and Mayor Stewart
None
None
The foregoing resolution was adopted this 4th day of March 2025.
___________________________
Mayor Erica A. Stewart
ATTEST:
______________________
Teresa Purrington
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________
J. Christine Dietrick
City Attorney
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the
City of San Luis Obispo, California, on ______________________.
___________________________
Teresa Purrington
City Clerk
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
March 4, 2025
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
ii
Table of Contents
Section 1: Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Regulatory Context ............................................................................................................. 1
1.2 Sewer System Management Plan Update Schedule .......................................................... 1
1.3. Sewer System Asset Overview ......................................................................................... 2
Section 2: Organization ........................................................................................................................ 8
Section 3: Legal Authority ............................................................................................................... 11
3.1 San Luis Obispo Municipal Code & General Plan ............................................................ 11
3.2 Agreements with Satellite Agencies ................................................................................. 11
Section 4. Operation & Maintenance ............................................................................................... 14
4.1 Operation and Maitenance Program ............................................................................... 14
4.2 Scheduling Inspection and Maintenance Activities .............. Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.3 Computerized Control and Monitoring .............................................................................. 16
4.4 Preventive Maintenance and Area Maintenance Programs ............................................. 17
4.5 Visual/CCTV Inspections .................................................................................................. 18
4.6 Lift Station Maintenance ................................................................................................... 19
4.7 Repairs ............................................................................................................................. 20
4.8 Staff Safety & Professional Development ......................................................................... 21
4.9 Maintenance Equipment & Replacement Inventories ....................................................... 23
Section 5: Design & Performance Provisions ................................................................................ 27
5.1 Standards for Installation, Rehabilitation and Repair........................................................ 27
5.2 Standards for Inspection and Testing of New and Rehabilitated Facilities ....................... 28
Section 6. Sewer Emergency Response Plan ................................................................................ 28
6.1 History of Stoppages and Overflow Events ...................................................................... 29
6.2 City Sanitary Sewer Overflow Emergency Response Plan .............................................. 29
Section 7. Fats, Oils, & Grease Control Program ........................................................................... 36
7.1 Program Background ....................................................................................................... 36
7.2 Guidelines for the Control of Fats, Oil & Grease .............................................................. 38
7.3 FOG Program Education .................................................................................................. 39
Section 8: System Evaluation & Capacity Assurance Plan ........................................................... 40
8.1 Capacity Assessment & Enhancement ............................................................................ 41
8.2 Capital Improvement Program ......................................................................................... 42
8.3 Private Sewer Laterals ..................................................................................................... 43
Section 9. Monitoring, Measurement & Program Modifications ................................................... 45
9.1 Performance Measures .................................................................................................... 45
9.2 Historical and Baseline Performance ............................................................................... 45
9.3 Performance Monitoring and Program Changes .............................................................. 46
9.4 SSMP Updates ................................................................................................................. 46
Section 10: Program Audits............................................................................................................. 47
Section 11. Communication Program ............................................................................................. 51
11.1 Communication with the Public 51
Appendix A: Sample CCTV Inspection Report ............................................................................... 52
Appendix B: California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Certification Requirements .. 53
Appendix C: Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) Reporting Guidelines ............................................ 54
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
iii
Appendix D: Sample Sewer Spill Report ........................................................................................ 56
Appendix E: Spill Reporting Guidelines (>50,000 gal) ................................................................... 64
Appendix F: Capital Improvement Plan .......................................................................................... 66
List of Tables
Table 1: SSMP Audit/Update Schedule ............................................................................................ 2
Table 2: Collection System Components ................................................................................... 4
Table 3: Lift Station Summary ...................................................................................................... 9
Table 4: SSMP Implementation Responsibilities ................................................................... 12
Table 5: Legal Authority from San Luis Obispo Municipal Code & General Plan ............ 17
Table 6: Collection System Database ........................................................................................ 19
Table 7: Annual Maintenance Summary ................................................................................... 21
Table 8: Predictive Maintenance Frequency ............................................................................ 21
Table 9: Problem Coding for CCTV Inspections ..................................................................... 24
Table 10: Wastewater Collection System Repairs .................................................................. 26
Table 11: Staff Certifications ....................................................................................................... 27
Table 12: Wastewater Collection Safety Training ................................................................... 27
Table 13: Wastewater Collection Equipment ........................................................................... 30
Table 14: Replacement Parts Inventory .................................................................................... 31
Table 15: Annual Stoppages and Sanitary Sewer Overflows, 2015-2024 ......................... 39
Table 16: Regulatory Agency Contacts .................................................................................... 43
Table 17: Sewer Line Installations, 1999-2024 ......................................................................... 51
Table 18: Service Lateral Reimbursements ............................................................................. 53
Table 19: Historic Data on Sanitary Sewer Overflows ........................................................... 55
Table 20: SSMP Audit Checklist ................................................................................................. 57
List of Figures
Figure 1: Lift Station Flow Basins ........................................................................................... 6
Figure 2: Sewer Predictive Maintenance Frequency ............................................................. 7
Figure 3: Organizational Chart .............................................................................................. 14
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
iv
Preface – City Sewer History
In 1888, there were no sewers in San Luis Obispo. Minor, scanty trenches took human and other waste
from town to San Luis Obispo Creek, carrying muck and disease through the waters where children
played and dumping it into the ocean. During that year, many children became ill. According to an April
24 newspaper article, “Nearly every family residing in the west portion of the city near the San Luis Obispo
Creek have two to three sick children to look after. The sewer (the creek) is suspect, yet the majority of
residents still oppose construction of proper sewers.”
City leaders took a first step in February 1890 by installing the first sewer pipe along Chorro Street to the
corner of Palm Street. The pipe, however, still emptied into San Luis Obispo Creek. “There is no doubt
but that the creek is a natural sewer and should be used as such, but before being used for that purpose,
a little work should be done as not to allow the filth of the upper end of the City to be deposited at the
lower end,” according to newspaper reports.
The problem of disease continued in April 1890 when diphtheria ravaged the community. Open trenches
were still used to rid households of waste. All household trenches connected to creeks or adjoining
tributaries, providing “a fine arrangement for breeding microbes, bacteria and kindred horrors which
eventually found entrance into houses through traps and sinks,” the newspaper reported. For that reason,
rain became a sacred event by flushing the creeks clean.
City leaders and residents were torn; they knew the meager system needed improvement but couldn’t
agree on a plan. Ideas weren’t scarce, however. One group of citizens wanted to install three additional
sewer lines through town that terminated outside of city limits at a “dumping ground.” Engineers had
concluded one acre of land could handle waste from 1,000 people. San Luis Obispo, however, proposed
to play it safe and utilize five acres.
A second proposal by Col. Waring of San Luis Obispo included detailed drawings showing a system of
mains and conduits that led to a “sewage farm” to be located adjacent to the cemetery on South Higuera
Street. This system would have included a 15-inch main pipe to a 1,000-gallon tank. That tank would
then overflow into a 10,000-gallon tank, with the contents later used for crop fertilization.
A prominent San Francisco engineer proposed a third plan that would again use “dumping grounds” south
of the City, but the cost of building the system was too expensive at the time.
By the end of the 1890, Col. Waring’s wastewater collection system design was approved and used to
rid downtown San Luis Obispo of sewage. Again, all of the effluent from his project still flowed into San
Luis Obispo Creek.
But in September 1895, a local resident sued the City, claiming the creek should only be used as the city
sewer during the wet season, June 1 to Dec. 1. “The gravity of such a condition of affairs must at once
be apparent to every citizen,” the newspaper reported. “To make provision for this conation of affairs…
we immediately began to seek for a means of disposing of the sewage of the city.”
After contacting landowner after landowner, the City purchased 10 acres at “the Schow Place” along San
Luis Obispo Creek for $2,000 to be used as space for a sewer farm. It was used during the summer
months when fertilized disposal fields were dry enough to absorb the sewage. Suitable shallow ditches
that wound back and forth were dug long enough to receive all of the water flowing from the sewer in
three days. The existing Water Resource Recovery Facility stands on the property today.
-Researched & Compiled in 2007 by Jim Autry, Water Reclamation Facility Manager (retired)
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
1
Section 1: Introduction
Sewer spills are identified as a major threat to public health and water quality because of the
pathogens, toxic pollutants and nutrients they contain and have become a focus of State water
quality regulators over the past several years. On May 2, 2006, the State adopted General Waste
Discharge Requirements for sanitary sewer systems to provide a consistent, statewide
regulatory approach to address these sewer spills (State Water Resources Control Board, Order
No. 2006-003-DWQ). This was updated in 2013 (Order No. WQ 2013-0058-EXEC) followed by
a reissuance of Order No. WQ 2022-0103-DWQ (Order), which was made effective on June 5,
2023. Public agencies, like the City of San Luis Obispo (City), that own or operate a sanitary
sewer system comprised of one mile or more of pipeline to transport sewage to a treatment
facility are regulated under this Order.
1.1 Regulatory Context
The General Waste Discharge Requirements for the Regulatory Context section of the
Sewer System Management Plan include:
(a) The Plan Introduction section must provide a general description of the local sewer
management program and discuss Plan implementation and updates.
In order to minimize sewer spills) and mitigate the effects of the spills that may occur, the goals
of the City Sewer System Management Plan are to:
1. Maintain uninterrupted sewage flow without health hazard, effluent leakage, or
water infiltration and inflow.
2. Operate a sanitary sewer system that meets all regulatory requirements.
3. Avoid sewer spills and respond to sanitary sewer spills quickly and mitigate any
impact of the spill.
4. Maintain standards and specifications for the installation of new wastewater
systems.
5. Verify the wastewater collection system has adequate capacity to convey sewage
during peak flows.
6. Provide training for Wastewater Collection System staff.
7. Maintain the Fats, Oil, and Grease program (FOG program) to limit fats, oils,
grease, and other debris that may cause blockages in the wastewater collection
system.
8. Identify and prioritize structural deficiencies and implement short-term and long-
term maintenance and rehabilitation actions to address each deficiency.
9. Meet all applicable regulatory notification and reporting requirements.
10. Provide excellent customer service through efficient system operation and
effective communication strategies.
1.2 Sewer System Management Plan Update Schedule
The General Waste Discharge Requirements for the Update Schedule section of the
Sewer System Management Plan are:
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
2
(a) The Plan Introduction section must include a schedule for the Enrollee to update the
Plan, including the schedule for conducting internal audits. The schedule must
include milestones for incorporation of activities addressing prevention of sewer
spills.
The schedule for the Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) updates and required audits is
carried over from the previous Order and adjusted for the new SSMP update and SSMP audit
intervals. SSMP updates are required every six (6) years and audits every three (3) years. The
Water Board provides a tool that lists the required update and audit dates for each agency. Table
1, below, presents the schedules for the City.
Table 1: SSMP Audit/Update Schedule
Sewer System Management Plan Update Due Dates1
System Name
WDID
Number Update Update Update Update
San Luis Obispo CS 3SSO10320 08/02/2025 08/02/2031 08/02/2037 08/02/2043
Audit Due Dates1
System Name
WDID
Number Audit Audit Audit Audit
San Luis Obispo CS 3SSO10320 04/02/2029 04/02/2035 04/02/2041 04/02/2047
1SSMP updates address audit findings and any significant milestones that have been reached such as implementation of new maintenance
strategies or completion of Capital Improvement projects.
1.3. Sewer System Asset Overview
The General Waste Discharge Requirements for the Sewer System Asset Overview
section of the Sewer System Management Plan must provide a description of the
Enrollee-owned assets and service area, including but not limited to:
a) Location, including county;
b) Service area boundary;
c) Population and community served;
d) System size, including total length in miles, length of gravity mainlines, length of
pressurized (force) mains, and number of pump stations and siphons;
e) Structures diverting stormwater to the sewer system;
f) Data management systems;
g) Sewer system ownership and operation responsibilities between Enrollee and
private entities for upper and lower sewer laterals;
h) Estimated number or percent of residential, commercial, and industrial service
connections; and
i) Unique service boundary conditions and challenge(s).
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
3
Located in San Luis Obispo County on
State Highway 101, about mid-way
between San Francisco and Los
Angeles, the City has a population of
49,928 (2024 census data) and covers
about 12.93 square miles. The first
sanitary sewers were built in San Luis
Obispo in the late 1800s. Today, the
collection system includes 145 miles
(766,562 feet) of gravity sewer line
ranging from six-inch to 48-inch pipe. The
system includes 3.4 miles of force main
ranging from four- to 16-inch pipe.
Approximately 3,184 maintenance
covers provide access to the collection
system (see Table 1, Collection System
Components). The sewer lines are made
of a variety of materials, including high-
density polyethylene (HDPE), terra cotta
salt-glazed pipe, vitrified clay pipe (VCP),
polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and asbestos
concrete. Portions of the sewer system
are over 100 years old.
The City’s collection system serves
consist of 90% residential, 9%
commercial, and 1% industrial
customers. Sewer service is provided
only to properties within the city limits,
except for the San Luis Obispo campus
of California Polytechnic State University
(Cal Poly) and the County of San Luis
Obispo Regional Airport. The City is
navigating significant changes with Cal
Poly’s system, which include
construction on an on-campus Water
Reclamation Facility (WRF) that may treat and recycle as much as 100% of sewer flows onsite.
The Cal Poly WRF is anticipated to be commissioned in the summer of 2026, and sewer
discharges to the city will be dependent upon the long-term campus housing buildout schedules.
The number of service connections, or private sewer laterals, is estimated to be approximately
13,000. In San Luis Obispo, the entire sewer lateral to the service connection in the street is
owned by the property owner. In some areas of the City, stormwater inflow and infiltration (I&I)
may enter the sewer system due to older city infrastructure and privately owned sewer laterals
that are in poor condition. However, the City operates a separate sewer system, meaning that
stormwater is directed to storm drains rather than the sewer system. The collection system is
divided into maintenance areas with nine lift stations, as shown in Figure 1, Lift Stations and
Flow Basins, and Figure 2, Sewer Predictive Maintenance Frequency.
Table 2: Collection System Components
GRAVITY SEWER LINES
Pipe Size Length
(in feet)
Length
(in miles) Pipe Type Percent of
System
6 inch 331,525 62.7 VCP/
PVC/HDPE 45.7 %
8 inch 286,007 54 VCP/
PVC/HDPE 37 %
10 inch 53,536 10.1 VCP/
PVC/HDPE 6.5%
12 inch 26,410 5 VCP/
PVC/HDPE 3.3%
15 inch 20,648 3.9 VCP/ PVC 3.0%
16 inch 2,361 0.44 VCP/ PVC 0.4%
18 inch 19,905 3.8 VCP/
PVC/HDPE 2.8%
20 inch 267 0.1 HDPE 0.0%
21 inch 3,282 0.6 VCP/ PVC 0.5%
24 inch 8,054 1.5 VCP/ PVC 0.9%
27 inch 2,098 0.4 PVC 0.3%
30 inch 5,687 1.1 PVC 0.8%
36 inch 5,182 1.0 PVC 0.7%
48 inch 1,600 0.3 PVC 0.2%
Total 766,562 145.18 100%
SEWER FORCE MAINS
Pipe Size Length (in
feet) Pipe Type Lift Station
16 inch 2,232 PVC Laguna
14 inch 3,772 Ductile Iron Pipe Tank Farm
8 inch 3,656 PVC/HDPE Calle
Joaquin
8 inch 839 Ductile Iron Pipe Airport
6 inch 764 Asbestos Concrete Silver City
6 inch 231 HDPE Margarita
4 inch 440 Cast Iron Pipe Foothill
4 inch 595 Ductile Iron Pipe Prefumo
6 inch 5,549 HDPE Buckley
Total 18,080
Length
(in miles) 3.4
Source: City Utilities Department, Wastewater Collections, 2024.
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
4
Over the past 35 years, the City’s Utilities Department staff have created a comprehensive
database that includes nearly all components of the city-owned collection system, and much of
the privately owned infrastructure. The Computerized Maintenance Management System
(CMMS), known as Cityworks, provides detailed asset information for all gravity lines, force
mains, flow basins, lift stations, and their corresponding service areas. Additionally, private
sewer systems and sewer lateral data is collected as information is made available. Wastewater
Collection System staff utilize and update the database daily as part of their work (work order
development/history, standardization of record keeping, organization, communication with the
public, development/prioritization of future system upgrades). This database is connected to the
City’s geographic information system (GIS). The condition of approximately 140 miles (95 %) of
the publicly owned collection system has been documented by video inspection, as described
later in this SSMP.
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
5
Figure 1.
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
6
Figure 2.
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
7
Table 3: Lift Station Summary
Lift Stations
# Pumps / Pump Capacity (gpm) /
Total Dynamic Head (feet) / Horsepower
(hp)
Notes
Foothill 2 pumps / 300 gpm / 65 feet / 15 hp Installed in 1986. Planned for a future
upgrade.
Calle Joaquin 2 pumps / 500 gpm / 60 feet / 11.7 hp
In 2023, the station was replaced as part of a
Capital Improvement Project (CIP) and
outfitted with new submersible pumps,
significantly enhancing its overall
functionality. The upgrades also included an
onsite natural gas backup generator and
bypass capabilities, ensuring continuous
operation during emergencies. The inlet pipe,
a siphon upstream from the station, was also
replaced as part of the project.
Laguna 3 pumps / 1500 gpm / 45 feet / 40 hp
The lift station was replaced in 2013 with a
new wet well and Wemco Hidrostal pumps. It
is the largest of the collection system’s
pumping stations. (Silver City, Calle Joaquin
and Prefumo pump to it and it receives gravity
flow from the City’s Laguna Lake area).
Margarita 2 pumps / 400 gpm / 31 feet / 5 hp
Replaced in 2019 with a new wet well and
Wemco Hidrostal pumps. Includes on-site
backup generator.
Silver City 2 pumps/ 450 gpm / 43 feet / 18.5 hp
Installed in 1971 within the adjacent trailer
park. Station needs back up controllers or an
auxiliary power system. It will serve future
annexation areas. Planned for a future
upgrade.
Tank Farm 4 pumps / 1,000 gpm / 74 feet / 35 hp
Installed in 2009. The lift station is planned to
serve development in the Airport, Orcutt,
Margarita, and Avila Ranch Specific Plan
Areas. Includes on-site backup generator.
Prefumo 2 pumps / 35 gpm / 23 feet / 3.9 hp
Serves limited population/area. No backup
power available due to limited availability of
service from PG&E.
Airport 2 pumps / 240 gpm / NA / 5 hp
The Airport Lift Station was constructed by the
County. The City took over maintenance and
operation of the lift station in 2000. Serves the
airport, adjacent development, and planned
annexation areas. Planned for a future
upgrade.
Buckley 2 pumps /739 gpm / 147 feet / 25 HP
The Buckley lift station was installed in 2021
as part of the Avila Ranch development
project. It was designed to support new
development including the Avila Ranch
project.
Source: City Utilities Department, 2024
The City periodically reviews operations and maintenance work plans to ensure staff are
implementing each plan as intended and to achieve the desired outcomes. Supervisory and
managerial-level employees perform these reviews with assistance from qualified field
personnel. If areas for improvement are identified, the work plans are updated, and affected staff
are trained, if necessary, on any new procedures.
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
8
Section 2: Organization
The General Waste Discharge Requirements for the Organization section of the Sewer
System Management Plan state that the Enrollee must identify organizational staffing
responsible and integral for implementing the local Sewer System Management Plan
through an organization chart or similar narrative documentation that includes:
a) The name of the Legally Responsible Official (Designation of a Legally
Responsible Official) of this General Order;
b) The position titles, telephone numbers, and email addresses for management,
administrative, and maintenance positions responsible for implementing
specific Sewer System Management Plan elements;
c) Organizational lines of authority; and
d) Chain of communication for reporting spills from receipt of complaint or other
information, including the person responsible for reporting spills to the State
and Regional Water Boards and other agencies, as applicable. (For example,
county health officer, county environmental health agency, and State Office of
Emergency Services.)
Within the City’s Utilities Department, the Wastewater Collection Section oversees the operation
and maintenance of the system with a Wastewater Collection System Supervisor, Wastewater
Collection System Chief Operator, and eight operators (two operators are dedicated to storm
system maintenance). The staff are organized into three main (two-person) crews to conduct
hydro cleaning maintenance, CCTV inspection, and lift station construction and repair
operations. Wastewater Collection System staff respond to all sewage spills, seven days a week,
24-hours a day.
The authorized representative, or Legally Responsible Official (LRO), for the implementation and
administration of the City’s SSMP is Ryan Beech, Wastewater Collection System Supervisor.
Mr. Beech is responsible for the development and oversight of this program and for ensuring
that the City is in compliance with the General Order. Figure 2, Organizational Chart, identifies
the line of authority for the implementation of the SSMP.
Two additional City staff, Jarrett Rucker, Chief Collection System Operator, and Chris Lehman,
Wastewater Deputy Director of Utilities, are identified as alternative LROs for reporting on the
California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) to ensure that a staff person is always
available to meet the legal reporting requirements. Appendix C, Sanitary Sewer Overflow
Reporting Guidelines includes “Spill Reporting Responsibilities,” the chain of communication for
responding and reporting spills. This flow chart is taken from the Utilities Department’s Sewer
Emergency Response Plan, described further in Section 6.
Table 3 includes one City staff member (Miguel Barcenas) not included in the Organizational
Chart, the Deputy Director of Engineering and Planning from the Utilities Department, whose
responsibilities include design, modeling and long-range capital planning efforts for the
wastewater collection system.
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
9
Table 4: SSMP Implementation Responsibilities
SSMP Measure Responsible
Person Role
Goals
Implementation and management of
the SSMP
Ryan Beech
Provides oversight of the SSMP.
Ensure that the collection system is
maintained and operated to reduce
or eliminate sewer spill
Oversight of all aspects of the collection
system.
Organization
Chain of Communication Ryan Beech Determines the chain of command for
responding to sewer spills.
Organization Chart Ryan Beech Keeps organization chart up to date.
SOP for SSO Reporting Guidelines Ryan Beech Keeps reporting guidelines up to date to
ensure compliance with the GWDR.
SSO Reporting (See Figure 2,
Organizational Chart)
WWC Staff Responds to sewage spills seven days a
week, 24 hours a day.
Ryan Beech
Ensures that reporting guidelines are
followed and updated.
Reports spills on CIWQS, LRO Lead.
Jarrett Rucker LRO Alternative 1 for reporting on CIWQS
Chris Lehman LRO Alternative 2 for reporting on CIWQS
Legal Authority
Ensure the Municipal Code is
updated and provides the authority
to prevent illicit discharges, requires
proper design and construction, and
allows for inspection and
maintenance and enforcement of
infractions of the code.
Ryan Beech
Review Municipal Code and update as
needed.
Chris Lehman
Ensure the Municipal Code provides
the authority to prevent the
discharge of fats, oils and grease
and other debris. Chris Lehman
Reviews the Municipal Code and updates
code as needed.
Enforcement of non-permitted
discharges to the sewer.
Investigates illicit discharges to the collection
system, Issues Notice of violations or takes
legal action violators.
Operations & Maintenance Program
Maintaining collection system maps Ryan Beech/
WWC staff
Works with WWC staff and GIS staff to
maintain maps.
Preventative operation and
maintenance
Ryan Beech/
Jarrett Rucker
Updates the description of the program as
needed.
Development of a rehabilitation and
replacement plan Ryan
Beech/Jarrett
Rucker
Continues the current program in place and
improves as needed. Provide training to WWC staff
Provide equipment & replacement
part inventories
Design & Performance Provisions
Design and construction standards
for all aspects of the collection
system
Ryan Beech/
Miguel Barcenas
Works together to update design and
construction standards.
Inspection and testing standards Ryan Beech/
Miguel Barcenas
Continues current inspection and testing
practices and improves as needed.
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
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Figure 3: Organizational Chart1
Ryan Beech (LRO 1)
Wastewater Collection System
Supervisor
Rbeech@slocity.org
805-781-7033
Matt Anderson
Laboratory Manager
Manderson@slocity.org
805-781-7242
Chris Lehman
Wastewater Division Manager
Clehman@slocity.org
805-781-7039
Daren Kersey (Data Submitter)
Wastewater Collection Operator
805-431-2207
John Humphrey
Wastewater Collection Operator
805-431-2206
Mitchell Brimage
Wastewater Collection Operator
805-431-7141
Rolando Lopez
Wastewater Collection Operator
805-431-4745
Greg Elianow
Wastewater Collection Operator
805-540-9217
Jeff Jenkins
Wastewater Collection Operator
805-540-9189
John Staley
Wastewater Collection Operator
805-431-7148
Jordan Melby
Environmental Compliance
Inspector
805-434-8324
Geraldine Seng
Environmental Compliance
Inspector
805-805-0036
Charlie Lester
Wastewater Collection Operator
805-431-3188
Jarrett Rucker (LRO 2)
Chief Wastewater Collection
Operator
Jrucker@slocity.org
805-431-7145
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
11
Section 3: Legal Authority
The General Waste Discharge Requirements for the Legal Authority section of the Sewer
System Management Plan must include copies or an electronic link to the Enrollee’s
current sewer system use ordinances, and service agreements and/or other legally
binding procedures to demonstrate the Enrollee possesses the necessary legal authority
to:
a) Prevent illicit discharges into its sanitary sewer system from inflow and infiltration
(I&I); unauthorized stormwater; chemical dumping; unauthorized debris; roots;
fats, oils, and grease; and trash, including rags and other debris that may cause
blockages;
b) Collaborate with storm sewer agencies to coordinate emergency spill responses,
ensure access to storm sewer systems during spill events, and prevent
unintentional cross connections of sanitary sewer infrastructure to storm sewer
infrastructure;
c) Require that sewer system components and connections be properly designed and
constructed;
d) Ensure access for maintenance, inspection, and/or repairs for portions of the
service lateral owned and/or operated by the Enrollee;
e) Enforce any violation of its sewer ordinances, service agreements, or other legally
binding procedures; and
f) Obtain easement accessibility agreements for locations requiring sewer system
operations and maintenance, as applicable.
3.1 San Luis Obispo Municipal Code & General Plan
As the purveyor of sanitary sewer service within the City, the Utilities Department is responsible
for the preparation and implementation of the Sewer System Management Plan. The City
possesses legal authority through its Municipal Code as described in Table 5, Legal Authority,
from San Luis Obispo Municipal Code.
Title 13, Public Services, Section 13.08, Sewers, of the City’s Municipal Code includes
requirements for sewer connections, discharges, charges and fees, disposal of septic tank
cleanings, enforcement, abatement and penalties. The Municipal Code is available on the City’s
website through the following link:
https://sanluisobispo.municipal.codes/
Chapter 8 of the City’s General Plan, the Water and Wastewater Element, includes policies and
programs related to the provision of wastewater collection services, and is available on the City’s
website through the following link:
https://www.slocity.org/home/showdocument?id=19965
3.2 Agreements with Satellite Agencies
The Cal Poly wastewater collection system discharges to the City’s collection system from
Mustang Drive, which is southwest of the campus’ stadium, through a 15-inch sewer line. The
City does not maintain Cal Poly’s collection system or provide input on the design of campus
facilities. The City has a Pretreatment Agreement with the campus providing the legal authority
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to enforce Title 13, Public Services, Section 13.08, Sewers, of the City’s Municipal Code within
the campus dated January 6, 2009. The City has a service agreement with Cal Poly for water
and sewer rates that was originally completed in 2012, with the latest revision completed in 2021.
The City and Cal Poly meet annually to review these agreements and have committed to an
open line of communication for wastewater collection and pretreatment issues.
The City also provides wastewater treatment services and has pretreatment authority for the
San Luis Obispo County Airport, located south of the City, consistent with a 1977 Sewer and
Water Agreement (amended in April 1988, July 1988, 1993, and 2000). The County Airport
discharges to the City’s wastewater collection system at the maintenance over located upstream
of the Airport lift station on Broad Street (SMH M17-8).
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Table 5: Legal Authority from San Luis Obispo Municipal Code & General Plan
Order Requirement City Municipal Code
Reference1
City General Plan
Reference2
Meets Order
Requirements?
General
Prevent illicit discharges
into the wastewater
collection system
Municipal Code 13.08.030;
13.08.040; 13.08.430
General Plan
Program B 4.3.7 Yes
Limit the discharge of
fats, oils, and grease
and other debris that
may cause blockages
Municipal Code 13.08.040;
13.08.050; 13.08.080;
13.08.090
General Plan
Program B 4.3.7 Yes
Require that sewers and
connections be properly
designed and
constructed
Municipal Code 13.08.380 Yes
Require proper
installation, testing, and
inspection of new and
rehabilitated sewers
Municipal Code 13.08.380 Yes
Prohibiting cross-
connections of the
sanitary sewer system to
the storm sewer
infrastructure
Municipal Code 12.08.110;
13.08.030 Yes
Laterals
Clearly define City
responsibility and
policies
Municipal Code 13.08.010;
13.08.080 Yes
Ensure access for
maintenance, inspection,
or repairs for portions of
the service lateral owned
or maintained by the City
Does not apply;
maintenance of service
lateral is responsibility of
property owner
Yes
Control infiltration and
inflow (I/I) from private
service laterals
Municipal Code 13.08.040;
13.08.390
General Plan
Policy B4.2.2,
Program B4.3.1, and
B4.3.2
Yes
FOG Source Control
Requirements to install
grease removal devices,
design standards for the
grease removal devices,
maintenance
requirements, BMP
requirements, record
keeping and reporting
requirements
Municipal Code 13.08.090 Yes
Authority to inspect
grease producing
facilities
Municipal Code 13.08.140 Yes
Enforcement
Enforce any violation of
its sewer ordinances Municipal Code 13.08.140 Yes
1City, Municipal Code, 2024
2General Plan, Chapter 8, Water & Wastewater, Adopted: February 24, 1987, Last Revised: May 15, 2018; Council Resolution No. 10893,
2018.
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Section 4. Operation and Maintenance
The General Waste Discharge Requirements for the Operation and Maintenance section
of the Sewer System Management Plan are:
a) Maintain an up-to-date map of the sanitary sewer system, showing all gravity line
segments and maintenance covers, pumping facilities, pressure pipes and valves,
and applicable storm water conveyance facilities;
b) Describe routine preventive operation and maintenance activities by staff and
contractors, including a system for scheduling regular maintenance and cleaning
of the sanitary sewer system with more frequent cleaning and maintenance
targeted at known problem areas. The Preventative Maintenance (PM) program
should have a system to document scheduled and conducted activities, such as
work orders;
c) Develop a rehabilitation and replacement plan to identify and prioritize system
deficiencies and implement short-term and long-term rehabilitation actions to
address each deficiency. The program should include regular visual and TV
inspections of maintenance covers and sewer pipes, and a system for ranking the
condition of sewer pipes and scheduling rehabilitation. Rehabilitation and
replacement should focus on sewer pipes that are at risk of collapse or prone to
more frequent blockages due to pipe defects. Finally, the rehabilitation and
replacement plan should include a capital improvement plan that addresses proper
management and protection of the infrastructure assets. The plan shall include a
time schedule for implementing the short- and long-term plans plus a schedule for
developing the funds needed for the capital improvement plan;
d) Provide training on a regular basis for staff in sanitary sewer system operations
and maintenance, and require contractors to be appropriately trained; and
e) Provide equipment and replacement part inventories, including identification of
critical replacement parts.
4.1 Operation and Maintenance Program
Additional GWDR requirements for this section include providing up-to-date map(s) of
the sanitary sewer system, and procedures for maintaining and providing State and
Regional Water Board staff access to the map(s). The map(s) must show gravity line
segments and maintenance covers, pumping facilities, pressure pipes and valves, and
applicable stormwater conveyance facilities within the sewer system service area
boundaries.
This section of the SSMP describes the programs utilized to operate and maintain the City’s
wastewater collection system including sewer lines, maintenance covers, force mains, and lift
stations. This section also describes the on-going training required for staff to comply with State
Regulations, which are designed to help minimize and prevent sanitary sewer overflows.
Maps of all components of the City’s sewer system are maintained in the City’s geographic
information system (GIS). The information contained in this system is presented in Table 6. In
addition to these electronic files, the City also maintains a digital library of record drawings for
public improvements.
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Table 6: Collection System Database
Facility
Type Basic Map Information Additional Map Information
Maintenance
Covers
ID number
Location, with reference to
streets and property lines
Size
Material type (brick or precast)
Cover type
Condition rating
GPS coordinates (for buried maintenance covers and
those in easements)
Rim and invert elevation
Pipes Location, with reference to
streets and property lines
Flow basin
X, Y, Z coordinates
Size of pipe and distance between maintenance covers
Structural material (HDPE, PVC, VCP, CPP liner, DIP)
Mainline type (force main, siphon, surface cover, parallel
pipe, trunk line/interceptor)
Lift Stations Location, with reference to
streets and property lines
Type of station
Type, number, capacity, discharge size of pump
Wet well and overflow elevation
Source: City Utilities Department, Wastewater Collection, 2024.
Wastewater Collection System staff logs minor updates that are required to system maps daily
and holds biweekly meetings with the City’s GIS team to implement the updates. During these
meetings, staff reviews recent changes, discusses required map revisions, and coordinates
additional updates needed for accuracy and completeness.
The city has provided maps (Figures 1 and 2) as part of the 2025 SSMP and will supply any
additional maps or information as needed upon request from the Water Board. Access to the
maps will be granted promptly, ensuring the Water Board staff have the necessary resources to
support their work.
4.2. Scheduling Inspection and Maintenance Activities
GWDR requirements for this section include presenting the scheduling system and a data
collection system used by the Enrollee for preventive operation and maintenance
activities conducted by staff and contractors. The scheduling system must include:
a) Inspection and maintenance activities;
b) Higher-frequency inspections and maintenance of known problem areas, including
areas with tree root problems; and
c) Regular visual and closed-circuit television (CCTV) inspections of maintenance
covers and sewer pipes.
The data collection system must document data from system inspection and
maintenance activities, including system areas/components prone to root-intrusion
potentially resulting in system backup and/or failure.
Knowledge of the wastewater collection system facilities is essential to effective management.
In 1990, Wastewater Collection System staff developed a comprehensive operations and
maintenance program that integrated a CMMS (Hansen v7.7). This program was integrated with
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2025 Sewer System Management Plan
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the City’s GIS in 1997. In 2013, the City implemented a new CMMS called Cityworks, which also
integrates an asset management system with GIS. This software enables maintenance crews to
utilize mobile computers to organize predictive and preventative maintenance work orders.
Mobile computers enable field staff to query historical system information, continually evaluate
the system, update the data base, and improve work efficiency to eliminate stoppages and
sanitary sewer overflows.
Wastewater Collection System staff can access and display multi-year inspection results to
identify critical trends that may impact important design and construction considerations.
Additionally, Wastewater Collection System staff use the operations and maintenance program
to evaluate and prioritize Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) inspections, assess capacity,
establish capital project priorities, evaluate program effectiveness, and store and retrieve
historical data about the collection system. It has allowed the section to efficiently manage
resources, resulting in increased productivity and decreased sanitary sewer overflows,
stoppages, overtime, and customer service interruptions.
4.3 Computerized Control and Monitoring
All the City’s nine lift stations are monitored by a telemetry system. Telemetry, meaning
“measuring at a distance”, became part of the Utilities Department’s operations in 1988 when
the Regional Water Quality Control Board required the installation of alarms on the City’s
wastewater collection lift stations. Since that time the telemetry system has evolved into complex
computer network of interconnected distributed process controllers and personal computers. In
2013, the Human Machine Interface (HMI) systems was upgraded from Fix32 to the latest
generation of the software, iFix 5.1. The upgrade to iFix has greater capability to collect, store,
aggregate and trend data than the existing Fix 32 system. Staff can use this data to generate
daily, monthly and yearly reports, as well as historical analysis of pump run times and operational
and maintenance optimization. In 2025, the City is using version 5.5 of the iFix software, with
plans to upgrade to Ignition SCADA Software in 2025/2026.
The telemetry system communicates via radios and fiber optic cable and sends information to a
data concentrator at the Wastewater Collection shop within the City Corporation Yard located at
25 Prado Road. The system continually communicates and monitors lift station functions and
operations, providing Wastewater Collection System staff the ability to remotely monitor pump
run times, set pump level on and off points, and alarm high and low levels. In the event of a
failure, the system notifies standby Wastewater Collection System personnel through an alarm
dialing system. The alarm system is activated in the event of a power failure, high or low levels
in the wet well and extended communication failures. The system has resulted in advance notice
of pending problems, which has decreased overflows. The City has also invested in the
installation of “Smart (maintenance covers) Covers”, which are installed to monitor levels in
areas with known issues, including those with capacity limitations. In 2025, staff anticipate
expanding the Smart Cover network from 10 to 15 devices. This secondary network includes a
monitoring dashboard, and configurable text alerts to staff.
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4.4 Preventive Maintenance and Area Maintenance Programs
The City’s wastewater collection system is aging and requires an aggressive maintenance
schedule. To ensure uninterrupted wastewater flows and to reduce or eliminate stoppages or
sanitary sewer overflows, preventive and area maintenance is scheduled and completed in each
of the City’s 14 flow basins. Extensive review of the effectiveness of past maintenance practices
has led to the area and preventive maintenance programs that are in place today. These
maintenance programs are continually evaluated
by Wastewater Collection System staff to avoid
sewer spills.
The predictive and preventative maintenance
activities are performed by two Wastewater
Collection operators (See Table 7, Annual
Maintenance Summary). As a target, the entire
collection system is cleaned as part of the
preventative maintenance program every three to
five years. Preventative maintenance has been
successful program in operation and maintenance
of the wastewater collection system. Hydro-
cleaning the entire collection system on a routine
maintenance frequency is a major component in
the reduction of sanitary sewer overflows. As
shown in Table 8, Predictive Maintenance
Frequency, over 200,000 feet of the City’s
collection system is on periodic predictive
maintenance schedules with a frequency ranging
from two to 24 months. Approximately 182,000 feet
(over 34.5 miles), or 25 percent, of the City’s
collection system, is cleaned on the Predictive
Maintenance program.
In addition to the maintenance schedules to
eliminate blockages and sanitary sewer overflows,
contractors are required to follow the latest City’s
Standard Specification and Engineering Standards 1
to ensure that no debris or construction material
enters the collection system. These standards
require contractors to install sand-traps in
maintenance covers where street adjustment grade
rings are installed on paving operations and new
public sewer mains to prevent debris from entering
the collection system during construction. Sand
traps are required to stay in place throughout
construction and are removed only after non-
sewage debris is removed from affected sewer lines.
1 The City’s 2020 Standard Specifications and Engineering Standards, effective on August 31, 2020, are available at the link below:
https://www.slocity.org/home/showpublisheddocument/27919/637341402080900000
Table 8: Predictive Maintenance
Frequency
Frequency Length of Pipe
(in feet)
2 month * 10,379
3 month 4,577
4 month 6,284
6 month 78,848
8 month 1,112
9 month 3,660
12 month 73,998
18 month 1,022
24 month 2,227
Total: 182,107
* Includes 7,747 feet of sewer lines located in
the City’s downtown that require hydro-
cleaning every two months due to grease build
up.
Table 7: Annual Maintenance Summary
Year
Preventative
Maintenance
(in feet)
Area
Maintenance
(in feet)
Total
(in feet)
2014 330,216 65,271 395,487
2015 330,854 51,749 382,603
2016 338,827 135,048 473,875
2017 341,748 13,139 354,887
2018 343,578 88,915 432,493
2019 339,329 48,765 388,094
2020 335,445 163,646 499,091
2021 335,043 29,921 364,964
2022 334,829 136,735 471,564
2023 345,321 253,012 598,333
2024 282,496 227,906 510,402
Source: City Utilities Department, Wastewater Collection, 2024.
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Wastewater Collection System staff routinely respond to mainline failures to conduct point repairs,
schedule wye installations, complete maintenance cover rehabilitation and maintenance cover ring
and cover replacements.
4.5 Visual/CCTV Inspections
The City’s wastewater collection system is inspected using closed-circuit television (CCTV) by
two Wastewater Collection System staff that are Pipeline Assessment and Certification Program
(PACP) certified. Staff inspect and evaluate the system to manage several CCTV programs,
these programs are:
• Sanitary sewer spill inspections
• Predictive/ Preventative maintenance inspections
• I/I investigations
• Basin inspections
• CIP mainline replacement program
• New construction
In 2016, the City Utilities Department upgraded to a new closed-circuit television (CCTV)
inspection program. ITpipes was selected as the software, which interfaces with the asset
management program found in the Cityworks database. ITpipes is a (PACP) compliant CCTV
inspection system. The system integrates the CCTV sewer inspection data, displays digital video
recordings and generates a PACP condition rating from CCTV data. Data gathered during CCTV
inspections is critical for scheduling predictive and preventative maintenance activities to avoid
sanitary sewer spills. Staff place the CCTV camera into a gravity sewer line and transmit video
of the sewer line to a nearby service vehicle, where operators can inspect and evaluate the
system. Problem coding (see Table 8) entered as part of the inspection includes:
• Structural Rating
• Condition Rating
• Joint Condition
• Root Intrusion
• Debris / Grease
• Inflow / Infiltration
• Alignment
• Leak Size
• Leak Description
• Crack Coding
Wastewater Collection System operators enter CCTV data utilizing ITpipes, which interfaces
with the Cityworks (CMMS) database. A sample CCTV inspection report is provided in Appendix
A. Based on the data recorded by Wastewater Collection System staff, the PACP formula-based
CCTV software evaluates and prioritizes problems areas. This information is utilized by staff to
determine maintenance schedules, overall mainline condition, and inflow/infiltration (I/I)
condition. The asset management program uses this information in optimizing future
replacement capital improvement projects.
Table 9: Problem Coding for CCTV Inspections
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4.6 Lift Station Maintenance
The City maintains nine sewer lift stations (See Table 3) that are inspected and maintained on
a bi-monthly basis. The stations are continuously monitored by a telemetry system. The
telemetry system communicates via radios and fiber optic cables, and it sends information to a
data concentrator at the wastewater collection shop at 25 Prado Road. The data concentrator
then sends alarm signals to the auto alarm dialer for staff to respond to pump station failures.
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In the event of a power outages or pump failure, the station's telemetry system has a backup
uninterruptable power supply (UPS), which allows for continuous monitoring of each of the City’s
pump stations while staff work to install or restore power, and/or configure by-pass pumping at the
affected stations.
The telemetry system provides staff the ability to remotely monitor pump run times, set pump
level on and off points, and alarm high and low levels. In the event of a pump station failure, the
system notifies staff through the alarm dialing system. The alarm system is activated in the event
of a power failure, high or low levels in the wet well and extended communication failures.
Wastewater Collection System staff assist two Utilities Control Systems Technician staff in the
maintenance of telemetry systems, and perform bi-annual operation and alarm testing. The
testing ensures reliability of the system and provides staff the technical experience required to
maintain the system. The telemetry system also provides staff with a reliable operational system
to efficiently operate and maintain the wastewater collection system lift station pumping system.
The city operates a network of nine lift stations, each designed to ensure reliable wastewater
management. While some stations are equipped with both onsite generators and auxiliary power
capabilities, four of these stations feature stationary generators to provide emergency power
during outages. Specifically, the Laguna lift station utilizes the auxiliary power generator from
the Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) for backup power. In addition to this, six lift
stations are fitted with connections for emergency auxiliary power, bolstering resilience in critical
situations. Furthermore, five lift stations are equipped with a pump by-pass manifold, offering an
alternative solution to bypass the lift station entirely, ensuring uninterrupted service in the event
of any issues.
4.7 Repairs
As part of the Wastewater Collection Department's predictive and preventive maintenance
programs, staff identifies, prioritizes, and performs a variety of necessary repairs on the
collections system (Table 10). These repairs include maintenance cover repairs, channel
repairs, raising clean-outs, and main line point repairs. Major sewer line repairs identified through
maintenance or inspection activities are evaluated and prioritized through the Department’s
Capital Improvement Program, which is described further in Section 8.
Table 10: Wastewater Collection System Repairs
Completed Repairs
Year Raise
Cleanout
Mainline
Repair Lining
Maintena
nce cover
repair
Replace
Frame and
Cover
Wye
Abandon
ment
Wye
Replacemen
t
Wye
Installation
2015 7 41 0 2 0 7 61 12
2016 6 8 0 21 0 4 59 5
2017 0 3 2 4 4 4 55 9
2018 0 13 0 3 4 2 68 14
2019 1 15 0 2 22 0 81 13
2020 0 21 0 7 1 6 115 23
2021 3 18 0 1 0 2 136 17
2022 1 10 0 0 2 2 108 10
2023 1 10 0 4 15 2 87 13
2024 1 10 0 1 3 3 93 17
Total: 26 149 2 45 51 32 863 133
Pending Repairs
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2025 Sewer System Management Plan
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Maintenance cover repair Replace Frame and
Cover
Raise Clean-
Out Main Line Point Repair
12 30 0 13
Source: City Utilities Department, Wastewater Collection, 2024.
4.8 Staff Safety & Professional Development
General Waste Discharge Requirements (GWDR) requirements for this section include
presentation of in-house and external training provided on a regular basis for sanitary
sewer system operations and maintenance staff and contractors. The training must
cover:
a) The Enrollee’s Spill Emergency Response Plan procedures and practice drills;
b) Skilled estimation of spill volume for field operators; and
c) Electronic CIWQS reporting procedures for staff submitting data.
The City holds an annual spill estimation and reporting training, as well as hands-on drills to
practice spill estimation methods and reporting. After a spill has occurred, staff also review the
Spill Emergency Response Plan (SERP) for effectiveness to help correct discrepancies and
address any additional need for training. The City has three LRO’s and multiple data submitters
to ensure that spill reports are updated in CIWQS in a timely manner. Once a report has been
completed by trained staff, it is then sent to a data submitter and LRO for submission to CWIQS
within the deadlines required by the Order.
The City’s Utilities Department maintains a budget for annual training that is consistent with the
requirements placed on the City by the State Water Resources Control Board in the Statewide
GWDR’s for Sanitary Sewer Systems. This training ensures that the Wastewater Collection
System section and Pretreatment section staff maintain their California Water Environment
Association (CWEA) certifications, and provides the opportunity to achieve advanced
competency in the profession. In 2017, the City hired a Safety and Technical Training Engineer
to implement the Utilities Department's safety programs and safety-related training programs in
compliance with federal, state and local safety, health and environmental laws and regulations.
Each of the City’s Wastewater Collection and Environmental Compliance staff members have
earned certification from the CWEA, as shown in Table 11. Job duties, knowledge, skills and
abilities associated with each CWEA certification level are identified in Appendix B. Staff are
required to participate in at least 12 hours of continuing education or training every two years to
maintain their certifications. Staff also attend numerous safety training workshops at the
frequency described in Table 12.
Table 11: Staff Certifications
Name Title Certification
Wastewater Collection System staff
Ryan Beech Wastewater Collection System
Supervisor
CWEA - Collection System Technologist - Grade IV
Jarrett Rucker Wastewater Collection System
Chief Operator
CWEA - Collection System Technologist - Grade III
Daren Kersey Wastewater Collection System
Operator
CWEA - Collection System Technologist - Grade III
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
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Name Title Certification
John Humphrey Wastewater Collection System
Operator
CWEA - Collection System Technologist - Grade III
Mitchell Brimage Wastewater Collection System
Operator
CWEA - Collection System Technologist - Grade III
Jeffery Jenkins Wastewater Collection System
Operator
CWEA - Collection System Technologist - Grade III
Johnny Staley Wastewater Collection System
Operator
CWEA - Collection System Technologist - Grade II
Charles Lester Wastewater Collection System
Operator
CWEA - Collection System Technologist - Grade II
Greg Elianow Wastewater Collection System
Operator
CWEA - Collection System Technologist - Grade II
Rolando Lopez Wastewater Collection System
Operator
CWEA - Collection System Technologist - Grade I
Environmental Compliance Staff
Jordan Melby Environmental Compliance
Inspector
CWEA - Environmental Compliance Inspector –
Grade I
Geraldine Seng Environmental Compliance
Inspector
CWEA - Environmental Compliance Inspector – N/A
Source: City Utilities Department, Wastewater Collection, 2024.
Table 12: Wastewater Collection Safety Training
Training Workshop Frequency
Environmental Safety Required Annually
Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response - Operations Level Required Annually
Bloodborne Pathogens Required Annually
Fire Extinguisher Operation Required Annually
Heat Stress Required Annually
Hearing Conservation Required Annually
Respirator Protection Required Annually
Trench Safety Competent Person Initial/As Needed
Aerial Lift Operator Training Initial/As Needed
Hand and Portable Power Tool Safety Initial/As Needed
Supervisor Safety Training Initial/As Needed
Fall Protection Awareness Initial/As Needed
Hazard Communication Initial/As Needed
Lockout/Tagout Initial/As Needed
Confined Space Entry Initial/As Needed
Emergency Action Plan Initial/As Needed
Ergonomics - Field and Transit Personnel Initial/As Needed
Ergonomics - Office Personnel Initial/As Needed
Basic Electrical Safety Initial/As Needed
CPR Required Every 2 Years
First Aid Required Every 2 Years
Forklift Operator Training Required Every 3 Years
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NFPA 70 E - Live Exposed Electrical Required Every 3 Years
Driver Awareness Initial/Recommended
Every 3 Years
Backhoe Operator Training Initial/Recommended
Every 3 Years
Crane Operator Training Initial/Recommended
Every 3 Years
Flagging Safety Initial/Recommended
Every 3 Years
Safety through Maintenance and Construction Zones Initial/Recommended
Every 3 Years
Preventing Substance Abuse in the Workplace Recommended Every 2 Years
Safe Workplaces - When Being Nice Isn't Working Recommended Every 2 Years
Technology - Managing Risks in Email, Internet, Blogs, and Cell Phones Recommended Every 2 Years
Source: City, Utilities Department, 2024.
4.9 Maintenance Equipment & Replacement Inventories
GWDR requirements for this section include presenting an inventory of sewer system
equipment, including the identification of critical replacement and spare parts.
Contingency equipment (e.g. portable pumps and generators) supports an effective response to
emergency conditions. Spare and replacement parts are kept in inventory to minimize equipment
and facility downtime in the event of a failure. Replacement parts for pumps, motors, and
vehicles along with appropriately maintained emergency response equipment and accessories
allow field crews to effectively respond to incidents and efficiently perform routine maintenance.
Maintaining an adequate inventory of replacement parts is key to preventing extended overflow
events associated with equipment breakdown or malfunction.
The equipment identified in Table 13 is utilized during response to emergency conditions, such
as an SSO, as well as for conducting area and preventive maintenance activities, pump station
maintenance and CCTV inspections. Wastewater Collection System staff also maintain an
inventory of replacement parts, which is presented in Table 14. These materials are kept on
hand to address unscheduled maintenance activities and overflows. Staff’s experience and
knowledge of the local availability of critical parts needed for system operation and maintenance
contributes to the maintenance of this inventory. Although these specific numbers vary
throughout the year depending on unplanned events, the listed values are a baseline average
for staff to maintain. For the fiscal year 25-27 financial plan, approximately $71,000 is budgeted
annually for maintaining this inventory.
Table 13: Wastewater Collection Equipment
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2025 Sewer System Management Plan
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Manufacturer Type Year Specifications Use
Freightliner Vac-Con 2014 3000 psi @ 30/50 gpm Hydro-Cleaner /
Combination Unit
Hydro-
cleaner/
combination
unit
5-yard debris tank
Freightliner Vactor 2023 3000 psi @ 40-60 gpm Hydro-Cleaner /
Combination Unit
Hydro-
cleaner/
combination
unit
10- yard debris tank
Ford Transit 2016 CCTV Mainline
inspections
Ford / F-550 Service
Truck 2018 1 ½ ton Maintenance
Ford / F-550 Service
Truck 2018 1 ½ ton Maintenance
International Dump truck 2008 5 yards Construction/
Maintenance
Caterpillar 304CR 2006 Excavator Construction/
Maintenance
Cummins Generator 2016 200 KVA Emergency
Auxiliary Power
Cummins Generator 2020 200 KVA Emergency
Auxiliary Power
Power
Prime
Trash
Pump 2008 6-inch, 2,750 gpm @
195 TDH
Emergency By-
Passing
Pioneer
Pump
Trash
Pump 2022 6-inch 2,750 gpm @
195 TDH
Emergency By-
Passing
Source: City Utilities Department, Wastewater Collection, 2024.
Table 14: Replacement Parts Inventory
Pipe Fittings:
Size Manufacturer Description Location Stock Critical
4" Mission 45° Socket to
Socket Shop 4 Yes
4" Mission 22.5° Socket to
Socket Shop 4 Yes
4" Mission Coupling Shop 4 Yes
6" Mission 45° Socket to
Socket Shop 6 Yes
6" Mission 22.5° Socket to
Socket Shop 6 Yes
6" Mission Coupling Shop 4 Yes
6"x 4" Mission Concentric Reducer Shop 2 Yes
6"x 4" Mission Eccentric Reducer Shop 2 Yes
6"x 4" Mission Wye Shop 24 Yes
6"x 6" Mission Wye Shop 6 Yes
8" Mission Û6RFNHWWR
Socket Shop 4 Yes
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
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8" Mission Û6RFNHWWR
Socket Shop 4 Yes
8" Mission Coupling Shop 2 Yes
8"x 6" Mission Concentric Reducer Shop 2 Yes
8"x 6" Mission Eccentric Reducer Shop 2 Yes
8" x 4" Mission Wye Shop 4 Yes
8" x 6" Mission Wye Shop 4 Yes
Couplings:
Size Manufacturer Description Location Stock Critical
4" Mission Clay to PVC Shop 8 Yes
4" Mission PVC to PVC Shop 8 Yes
6" Mission Clay to PVC Shop 18 Yes
6" Mission PVC to PVC Shop 8 Yes
8" Mission Clay to PVC Shop 4 Yes
8" Mission PVC to PVC Shop 4 Yes
10" Mission Clay to PVC Shop 4 Yes
10" Mission PVC to PVC Shop 4 Yes
12" Mission Clay to PVC Shop 4 Yes
12 Mission PVC to PVC Shop 4 Yes
6" Mission Concrete to PVC Shop 18 Yes
PVC Pipe:
Size Manufacturer Description Location Stock Critical
4" JM SDR 35 Shop 20' Yes
6" JM SDR 35 Shop 80' Yes
8" JM SDR 35 Shop 40' Yes
10" JM SDR 35 Shop 20' Yes
12" JM SDR 35 Shop 10' Yes
4" Inserta-Tee:
Size Manufacturer Description Location Stock
12" Inserta-Tee 4P3512P35 Shop 2
15" Inserta-Tee 4P3515P35 Shop 2
18" Inserta-Tee 4P3518P35 Shop 2
21" Inserta-Tee 4P3521P35 Shop 2
24" Inserta-Tee 4P3524P35 Shop 2
27" Inserta-Tee 4P3527P35 Shop 2
30" Inserta-Tee 4P3530SL40 Shop 2
33" Inserta-Tee 4P3533SL40 Shop 2
36" Inserta-Tee 4P3536SL40 Shop 2
48" Inserta-Tee 4P3548SL40 Shop 2
6" Inserta-Tee:
Size Manufacturer Description Location Stock
12" Inserta-Tee 6P3512P35 Shop 2
15" Inserta-Tee 6P3515P35 Shop 2
18" Inserta-Tee 6P3518P35 Shop 2
21" Inserta-Tee 6P3521P35 Shop 2
24" Inserta-Tee 6P3524P35 Shop 2
27" Inserta-Tee 6P3527P35 Shop 2
30" Inserta-Tee 6P3530SL40 Shop 2
33" Inserta-Tee 6P3533SL40 Shop 2
36" Inserta-Tee 6P3536SL40 Shop 2
Filters:
Type Area Quantity Critical
30 micron WWC shop 12 Yes
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Lift Station Equipment:
Item Area Quantity Output/size Direction Critical
Transducer head Shop 2 4-20 MA N/A Yes
Transducer cable Shop 2 0.5-0.45 MA N/A Yes
Support Cable Shop 100 SS 1/4 cable N/A Yes
Batteries Shop 2 12v 12amp N/A Yes
Batteries Shop 2 24v 18amp N/A Yes
Chargers Shop 3 N/A N/A Yes
Pump seal Shop 1 1.375 N/A Yes
Pump seal Shop 5 1 7/8 N/A Yes
Pump seal Shop 2 2 1/8 N/A Yes
Impellers Shop 1 9 1/8 x 1 7/8 Counter Yes
Impellers Shop 1 9 1/8 x 1 7/8 Clockwise Yes
Impellers Shop 1 8 1/2 x 1 7/8 Clockwise Yes
Impellers Shop 2 10 1/2 x 2 1/2 Counter Yes
Impellers Shop 1 10 1/2 x 2 1/2 Clockwise Yes
Impellers Shop 1 2 7/8 x 1 7/8 Clockwise Yes
Impellers Shop 1 2 7/8 x 1 7/8 Counter Yes
Impellers Shop 2 8.78 x 1 7/8 Counter Yes
Impellers Shop 1 8.78 x 1 7/8 Clockwise Yes
Houghton pella Shop 20gal pump oil N/A Yes
HDPE Electrofusion Fittings:
Size Manufacturer Description Location Stock Critical
6" Tega Coupler Shop 2 Yes
6"x 4" Tega Saddle shop 2 Yes
8" x 4" Tega Saddle Shop 2 Yes
8" x 6" Tega Saddle Shop 1 Yes
10" x 4" Tega Saddle Shop 1 Yes
10" x 6" Tega Saddle Shop 1 Yes
4" Tega Coupler shop 2 Yes
4" Tega Cap Shop 2 Yes
HDPE PIPE DR17:
Size Manufacturer Description Location Stock Critical
4" BD HDPE Shop 20' Yes
6" BD HDPE Shop 20' Yes
Construction Materials:
Size Manufacturer Description Location Stock Critical
24" Mission Concrete Cast iron MH Shop 6 Yes
24" Mission Concrete 3" Riser ring Shop 6 No
24" Mission Concrete 6" Riser ring Shop 4 No
24" x 32" Mission Concrete Reduction ring Shop 2 No
8" Mission Concrete G5 Shop 6 No
Twist Tee:
Size Manufacturer Description Location Stock
4" Mission 8"- 10" Shop 6
4" Mission 12" - 15" Shop 4
4" Mission 18" - 27" Shop 2
4" Mission 30" - Larger Shop 2
6" Mission 8" - 10" Shop 4
6" Mission 12" - 15" Shop 2
6" Mission 18" - 27" Shop 2
6" Mission 30" - Larger Shop 2
City of San Luis Obispo
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Source: City Utilities Department, Wastewater Collection, 2024.
Section 5: Design & Performance Provisions
The General Waste Discharge Requirements for the Design and Performance Provisions
section of the Sewer System Management Plan include discussion of:
(a) Design and construction standards and specifications for the installation of new
sanitary sewer systems, pump stations and other appurtenances, and for the
rehabilitation and repair of existing sanitary sewer systems; and
(b) Procedures and standards for inspecting and testing the installation of new
sewers, pumps, and other appurtenances and for rehabilitation and repair projects.
Additional GWDR requirements include discussion of updated design criteria, and
construction standards and specifications, for the construction, installation, repair, and
rehabilitation of existing and proposed system infrastructure components, including but not
limited to pipelines, pump stations, and other system appurtenances. If existing design
criteria and construction standards are deficient to address the necessary component-
specific hydraulic capacity as specified in Section 8 (System Evaluation, Capacity Assurance
and Capital Improvements) of the SSMP, the procedures must include component-specific
evaluation of the design criteria.
5.1 Standards for Installation, Rehabilitation and Repair
Sanitary sewer overflows and operating problems are in some cases attributable to poor design
and/or improper construction of newly constructed or rehabilitated sewer lines. An effective
program that ensures that new sewers are properly designed and installed can minimize system
deficiencies that could create or contribute to future overflows or operation and maintenance
problems.
The City requires specific standards for new construction and for rehabilitation of existing sewer
lines. Design criteria include specifications such as pipe materials, minimum sizes, minimum
cover, strength, minimum slope, trench excavation and backfill, structure standards, and other
factors. These are communicated through the City’s Standard Specifications & Engineering
Standards, updated in August 2020. Section 77 of the Standard Specifications includes design
and construction requirements related to the City’s wastewater collection system. Engineering
Standards are provided for utilities location, trench details, utility covers, pipeline abandonment,
sewer maintenance covers, sewer lateral, sewer cleanouts, and separation criteria for water and
sewer lines.
The City Utilities Department and Engineering and Inspection staff from the City’s Public Works
Department work cooperatively to develop and improve design standards and specifications for
new construction to ensure the most up to date and effective construction plans and
specifications possible. The City’s Standard Specifications & Engineering Standards are
updated bi-annually as needed, most recently in 2020, and are available through the City’s Public
Works Department website through the following link:
https://www.slocity.org/home/showpublisheddocument/27919/637341402080900000
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5.2 Standards for Inspection and Testing of New and Rehabilitated
Facilities
The General Waste Discharge Requirements for this section of the Sewer System
Management Plan include discussion of procedures, and standards for the inspection
and testing of newly constructed, newly installed, repaired, and rehabilitated system
pipelines, pumps, and other equipment and appurtenances.
Inspection and testing of new facilities are important to ensure that the City’s established
standards are implemented in the field. Using the legal authority described earlier in the SSMP,
completed construction is not accepted by the City until inspection and testing have been
completed. This approach helps ensure proper operation and maximize lifecycle expectancy.
Acceptance testing for gravity sewers can include:
x Low pressure air test or water test to identify leakage
x Mandrel test to identify deflection in flexible pipe
x Water of vacuum test of maintenance covers to identify leakage
x CCTV inspection to identify grade variations or other construction defects
Inspection and testing of new wastewater collection facilities may be conducted by Wastewater
Collection System staff or by the contractor, while a Public Works inspector ensures the
installation and testing meets the City’s standards. Inspections are performed during, and at the
completion of construction.
Section 6. Sewer Emergency Response Plan
The General Waste Discharge Requirements for this section state that the City shall develop
and implement an overflow emergency response plan that identifies measures to protect
public health and the environment. At a minimum, overflow emergency response plan must
include the following:
(a) Proper notification procedures so that the primary responders and regulatory
agencies are informed of all Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs) in a timely manner;
(b) A program to ensure appropriate response to all overflows;
(c) Procedures to ensure prompt notification to appropriate regulatory agencies and
other potentially affected entities (e.g. health agencies, regional water boards,
water suppliers, etc.) of all SSOs that potentially affect public health or reach the
waters of the State in accordance with the Monitoring and Reporting Program
(MRP). All SSOs shall be reported in accordance with this MRP, the California Water
Code, other State Law, and other applicable Regional Water Board Waste
Discharge Requirements or National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) permit requirements. The Sewer System Management Plan should identify
the officials who will receive immediate notification;
(d) Procedures to ensure that appropriate staff and contractor personnel are aware of
and follow the Emergency Response Plan and are appropriately trained;
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
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(e) Procedures to address emergency operations, such as traffic and crowd control
and other necessary response activities; and
(f) A program to ensure that all reasonable steps are taken to contain untreated
wastewater and prevent discharge of untreated wastewater to Waters of the United
States and minimize or correct any adverse impact on the environment resulting
from the SSOs, including such accelerated or additional monitoring as may be
necessary to determine the nature and impact of the discharge.
A stoppage may occur in the collection system when a buildup of debris (typically roots or
grease) stops the flow of wastewater, which may result in a sanitary sewer overflow. An overflow
may reach the surface through maintenance cover covers in the street or from clean-outs
servicing commercial and residential properties. Sanitary sewer overflows are caused by flat
grades, root intrusion, deteriorating pipes, poorly functioning grease interceptors, or debris in the
line. Stoppages and overflows need immediate attention to restore flow and to minimize the
effects of the overflow. Preventative maintenance on public and private systems can help
minimize stoppages and overflows.
6.1 History of Stoppages and Overflow Events
Wastewater Collection System and Environmental Programs staff record data on both
stoppages and sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) that occur in the City’s wastewater collection
system. The City has kept data on sanitary sewer stoppages since the late 1980s. Since 2015,
the City has averaged seven sanitary sewer overflows per year, as shown in Table 15.
6.2 City Sewer Emergency Response Plan
The City’s sewer emergency response plan (SERP)
procedures provide a standardized course of action for
Wastewater Collection System and Environmental
Programs staff to follow in the event of an SSO. Within
the SERP, SSO reporting guidelines have been
established, to standardize staff response to sewer spills
(see Appendix C). City SSO response and reporting
requirements were revised to conform with the June 5,
2023 State Water Board’s General Waste Discharge
Requirements for sanitary sewer systems. As stated
previously, Wastewater Collection System staff are
available to respond to a reported sewage spill seven
days a week, 24-hours a day. Overflows are stopped as
soon as possible, and steps are taken to mitigate the
impacts of the spill. Spills from the City’s wastewater
collection system are investigated to determine the
cause, and corrective actions are taken to prevent
additional spills at that location. This may include
corrective actions related to the City’s infrastructure as
well as enforcement actions required by privately
maintained systems and private sewer laterals.
Dispatch to Site of Sewer Overflow
Failure of any element within the wastewater collection system that threatens to cause or causes
a sanitary sewer overflow will trigger an immediate response by staff to isolate and correct the
Table 15: Annual
Sanitary Sewer Overflows,
2015-2024
Year # of
SSOs
# SSOs to Reach
Surface Water
2015 12 2
2016 7 3
2017 10 8
2018 2 2
2019 6 6
2020 7 5
2021 10 4
2022 13 4
2023 4 0
2024 1 1
Average: 7.2 3.5
Source: California Integrated Water Quality System
(CIWQS), 2024.
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problem. Crews and equipment are available to respond to any sanitary sewer overflow location
within the City’s service area. Crews are dispatched to the site of a reported SSO immediately.
Additional staff are “on call” if extra support is required.
Notification, Crew Instructions & Work Orders
• Public Safety dispatchers that receive notification of SSOs shall contact the appropriate
Wastewater Collection System staff member by phone as soon as possible regarding the
sewer overflow location(s).
• Dispatchers shall ensure that the entire message has been received and acknowledged by
staff who were dispatched. Staff dispatched to the site of a sewer overflow shall proceed
immediately to the site of the overflow.
• Wastewater collection system staff will receive instructions from the Wastewater Collection
System Supervisor (or designee) regarding appropriate crews, materials, supplies, and
equipment needed.
• Response crews shall report their findings, including possible damage to private and public
property, to the Wastewater Collection System Supervisor (or designee) immediately upon
completing their investigation.
• The Wastewater Collection System Supervisor (or designee) will receive and convey to
appropriate parties requests for additional personnel, material, supplies, and equipment from
crews working at the site of a sewer overflow.
• The Wastewater Collection System Supervisor (or designee) is responsible for confirming
that the overflow report was provided to the Regional Water Quality Control Board and
County Environmental Health within the specified time.
Preliminary Damage Assessment
• Wastewater collection system staff shall use discretion in assisting the property
owner/occupant as reasonably as they can. If damage to private property occurs, staff should
seek approval of the property owner and contact the City’s insurance adjuster to assess any
damages.
• Appropriate still photographs and video footage, if possible, shall be taken of the outdoor
area of the sewer overflow and impacted area to thoroughly document the nature of the
overflow and extent of impacts. Applicable photographs are to be forwarded for filing with the
overflow report.
Coordination with Hazardous Material Response
• Upon arrival at the scene of a SSO, should a suspicious substance (e.g., oil sheen, foamy
residue) be found on the ground surface, or should a suspicious odor (e.g., gasoline) be
detected, Wastewater Collection System staff should immediately alert the City’s Fire
Department. If safe to do so, staff shall stay at the site to await the arrival of the City’s Fire
Department to take over the scene.
• Upon arrival of the City’s Fire Department, Wastewater collection system staff will take
direction from the person with the lead authority of that team. Only when that authority
determines it is safe and appropriate for the wastewater collection system staff to proceed
may they proceed with the containment, clean-up activities and corrective actions required
under the Sewer Emergency Response Plan.
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Overflow Correction, Containment, and Clean-Up
SSOs of various volumes occur from time to time
despite concerted prevention efforts. This section
describes specific actions performed by wastewater
collection system staff during a SSO. The
objectives of these actions are to:
• Protect public health, environment and property
from sewage overflows and restore
surrounding area back to normal as soon as
possible.
• Establish perimeters and control zones with
appropriate traffic cones and barricades,
vehicles or use of natural topography;
• Promptly notify the regulatory agency’s
communication center of preliminary overflow
information and potential impacts;
• Contain the sanitary sewer overflow, including preventing discharge of sewage into surface
waters; and
• Minimize the City’s exposure to any regulatory agency penalties and fines.
Under most circumstances, the City’s wastewater collection system staff will handle all response
actions with its own maintenance forces as they have the skills and experience to respond rapidly
and in the most appropriate manner. Staff must ensure that the temporary actions necessary to
divert flows and repair the problem do not produce a problem elsewhere in the system. For
example, repair of a force main could require the temporary shutdown of a lift station and
diversion of the flow at an upstream location. If the reconfiguration is not handled properly,
wastewater collection system back-ups may create other overflows in the system.
In some circumstances, the City’s wastewater collection system staff may benefit from the
support of private-sector contractor assistance. This may be true in the case of large diameter
pipes buried to depths requiring sheet piling and dewatering should excavation be required. The
City may also choose to use private contractors for open excavation operations that exceed one
day to complete.
Staff Responsibilities Upon Arrival
It is the responsibility of the first personnel who arrive at the site of a SSO to protect the health
and safety of the public by mitigating the impact of the overflow to the extent possible. Should
the overflow not be the responsibility of the City, but there is imminent danger to public health,
public or private property, or to the quality of surface waters, then emergency action should be
taken until the responsible party assumes responsibility and takes action. Upon arrival at a SSO,
the wastewater collection system staff shall:
• Determine the cause of the overflow, (e.g. sewer line blockage, sewer line break, pump
station mechanical or electrical failure, etc.);
• Identify and request, if necessary, assistance or additional resources to correct the overflow
or to assist in the determination of its cause;
Sanitary sewer overflow at maintenance cover, 2018.
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
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• Determine if private property is impacted. If this is the case, staff shall advise and consult
with County Environmental Health staff;
• Take immediate steps to stop the overflow (e.g. relieve pipeline blockage, manually operate
lift station controls, repair pipe, etc.). Extraordinary steps may be considered where overflows
from private property threaten public health and safety (e.g., an overflow from private
property into the public right-of-way); and
• Request additional personnel, materials, supplies, or equipment that will expedite and
minimize the impact of the overflow.
Initial Measures for Containment
Following their preliminary assessment, wastewater collection system staff shall:
• Initiate measures to contain the overflow and, where possible, recover sewage which has
already been discharged, minimizing impact to public health or the environment;
• Determine the immediate destination of the overflow (e.g. storm drain, street curb gutter,
creek, water body, etc.);
• Identify and request the necessary materials and equipment to contain or isolate the
overflow, if not readily available; and
• Take immediate steps to contain the overflow (e.g., block or bag storm drains, recover
through vacuum truck, divert into downstream maintenance cover, etc.).
Additional Measures Under Prolonged Overflow Conditions
In the event of a prolonged sewer line blockage or sewer line collapse, wastewater collection
system staff will determine requirements to set up a portable by-pass pumping operation around
the obstruction.
• Appropriate measures shall be taken to determine the proper size and number of pumps
required to effectively handle the sewage flow;
• Continuous or periodic monitoring of the by-pass pumping operation shall be implemented
as required; and
• Regulatory agency issues shall be notified in conjunction with the emergency repairs.
Cleanup
Wastewater collection system staff will thoroughly clean the site after a SSO. No readily identified
residue (e.g., sewage solids, papers, rags, plastics, rubber products) will remain. Clean up may
include the following steps:
• Where practical, the area is to be thoroughly flushed and cleaned of any sewage or wash-
down water. Solids and debris are to be flushed, swept, raked, picked-up, and transported
for proper disposal;
• The overflow site is to be secured to prevent contact by members of the public until the site
has been thoroughly cleaned. If required, posting of public notifications should be undertaken
pursuant to the City’s current public advisory procedures;
• Where appropriate, the overflow site is to be disinfected and deodorized;
• Where spilled sewage has resulted in ponding, the area should be pumped dry and the
residue disposed of in accordance with applicable regulations and policies;
• If a ponded area contains sewage which cannot be pumped dry, it may be treated with
bleach. If sewage has discharged into a creek or other water body that may contain fish or
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
33
other aquatic life, bleach or other appropriate disinfectant should not be applied, and the
California Department of Fish & Wildlife should be contacted for specific instructions; and
• Use of portable aerators may be required where complete recovery of sewage is not practical
and where severe oxygen depletion in existing surface water is expected.
Regulatory Agency Notification
The City is required to report wastewater overflows and discharges consistent with the California
Water Code and Health and Safety Code. Agency notification requirements vary depending on
the quantity of sewage spilled and the location the spill reaches. Spills and corresponding
requirements are categorized as follows:
CATEGORY 1 SSO:
Discharges of untreated or partially treated wastewater of any volume resulting from an
Enrollee’s sanitary sewer system failure or flow condition that:
a. Reach surface water and/or reach a drainage channel tributary to a surface
water; or
b. Reach a municipal separate storm sewer system and are not fully captured and
returned to the sanitary sewer system or not otherwise captured and disposed
of properly. Any volume of wastewater not recovered from the municipal
separate storm sewer system is considered to have reached surface water
unless the storm drain system discharges to a dedicated storm water or
groundwater infiltration basin (e.g., infiltration pit, percolation pond); and
c. Conduct water quality sampling within 48 hours after initial SSO notification for
Category 1 SSO that exceed 50,000 gallons or greater to a surface water.
(See Appendix E)
Notification: Within two hours of becoming aware of any Category 1 SSO greater
than or equal to 1,000 gallons discharged to a surface water or spilled
in a location where it probably will be discharged to surface water
notify the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and
obtain a notification number.
Reporting: Submit a draft report to California Integrated Water Quality System
(CIWQS) within three business days of becoming aware of the SSO,
and certify within 15 calendar days of the SSO date.
Technical
Report: Within 45 calendar days after the end date of any Category 1 SSO in
which 50,000 gallons or greater are spilled to surface waters.
CATEGORY 2 SSO:
Discharges of untreated or partially treated wastewater of 1,000 gallons or greater resulting from
an enrollee’s sanitary sewer system failure or flow condition that do not reach surface water, a
drainage channel, or a municipal separate storm sewer system unless the entire SSO
discharged to the storm drain system is fully recovered and disposed of properly.
Reporting: Submit draft report to CIWQS within three business days of becoming
aware of the SSO and certify within 15 calendar days of the SSO and date.
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CATEGORY 3 SSO:
All other discharges of untreated or partially treated wastewater resulting from an Enrollee’s
sanitary sewer system failure or overflow condition.
Reporting: Submit certified CIWQS report within 30 calendar days of the end of the
month in which SSO occurred.
PRIVATE LATERAL SEWAGE DISCHARGE (PLSD):
Discharges of untreated or partially treated wastewater resulting from blockages or other
problems within a privately-owned sewer lateral connected to the Enrollee’s sanitary sewer
system or from other private sewer assets. PLSDs that the Enrollee becomes aware of may be
voluntarily reported to the CIWQS SSO database.
NO SPILL CERTIFICATION:
Reporting: Certify (CIWQS) that no SSO’s occurred within 30 calendar days of the end
of the month in which no SSO’s occurred.
The City’s Environmental Compliance staff has reported sewage spills to the Regional Water
Quality Control Board and other agencies since 1988, and via CIWQS since 2007. The Utilities
Department has developed a Sewage Spill Report form and Spill Reporting Guidelines for spills
occurring during work hours and for those that occur after hours to mitigate the impacts
associated with any SSO that occurs. A sample Sewage Spill Report is provided in Appendix D,
and the City’s Spill Reporting Guidelines are summarized in Table 16.
Table 16: Regulatory Agency Contacts
California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES): If the sewage spill is over 1,000 gallons or reaches
waterway, call (800-852-7550) or (916-845-8911). Record case number for reference and report.
Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB): If spill is over 1,000 gallons, reaches waterway, or occurred
in area with likely public contact, call (805-549-3147 or 805-542-4638) as soon as possible. (Must be reported
within two (2) hours of the time you have knowledge of the spill). Give the required spill information. If you leave
a message, leave your name and call back number. A follow-up call within 24 hours of the spill must be made
confirming that all required agencies have been notified within the two-hour timeframe. Written report must be
submitted within five (5) days. All spills shall be appropriately reported by the City’s Wastewater Collection
System Supervisor.
San Luis Obispo County Environmental Health: If spill is over 50 gallons, call (805-781-5544). Give the spill
information and let them know that a written report will be sent via email (ehs@co.slo.ca.us) or fax (Fax: 805-
781-4211).
California Department of Fish and Wildlife; If spill reaches waterway, call the State’s main office (916-445-
0411) or business phone at (916-358-1300). Leave message with same information as above. Speak fast, or the
machine will cut you off.
Proposition 65/County Board of Supervisors: If spill is a threat to the environment or human health, call the
County’s Public Works Department at (805-781-5450). Provide the spill information and let them know that the
written Sewage Spill Report will be sent via email (publicworks@co.slo.ca.us).
City of San Luis Obispo
2025 Sewer System Management Plan
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Source: City Utilities Department, Sewage Spill Reporting Guidelines, 2024.
Public Advisory Procedures
In consultation with San Luis Obispo County Environmental Health
staff, wastewater collection system staff will post signs and place
barricades, cones, traffic arrow board, and caution tape as needed
to keep vehicles and pedestrians away from contact with spilled
sewage. Creeks or drainage channels that have been contaminated
as a result of an SSO should be posted at visible access locations
until the risk of contamination has subsided to acceptable
background levels. The warning signs, once posted, should be
checked every day to ensure that they are still in place. Signs shall
not be removed until directed by the Wastewater Collection System
Supervisor. Major spills may warrant broader public notice such as
placing door tag in the surrounding neighborhood. The approval of
the Utilities Director , or their appointee, is required prior to contacting local media when
significant areas may have been contaminated by sewage.
The City continues to work with San Luis Obispo County Environmental Health on public
notification procedures following sanitary sewer overflows and will revise these procedures as
necessary in the future to ensure public health and safety.
Failure Investigation
Following an SSO event, a failure investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the
SSO and to identify the corrective actions required to reduce or eliminate the potential for the
SSO to reoccur. The investigation will include reviewing all relevant data to determine
appropriate corrective actions for the sewer line segment or lift station. The investigation will be
conducted by the Wastewater Collection System Supervisor. The investigation will include:
• Reviewing past maintenance records;
• Reviewing original construction plans and regulatory reports;
• Reviewing available photographs;
• Conducting a CCTV inspection to determine the condition of the line segment
immediately following the SSO, and reviewing the video and logs, and;
• Interviewing staff who responded to the spill, as well as interviewing customers and
residents.
The product of this investigation should be the determination of the cause of the SSO, and
identification of corrective actions.
SSO Response Training
City personnel who may have a role in responding to, reporting, and/or mitigating a SSO will
receive training on the contents of the City’s Sewer Emergency Response Plan (Plan). New
employees receive training before they are placed in a position where they may have to respond.
Current employees receive annual refresher training on the City’s Plan and the overflow
emergency response procedures.
Contractor personnel who may have a role in responding to, reporting to the City, and/or
mitigating a wastewater collection system overflow receive training on the contents of the Plan.
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2025 Sewer System Management Plan
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Records are kept of all training that is provided in support of the City’s Plan. The records for all
scheduled training courses and for each overflow emergency response training event will include
date, time, place, content, name of trainer, and names of attendees.
Section 7. Fats, Oils, & Grease Control Program
Applicable General Waste Discharge Requirements for the Fats, Oil and Grease Control
Program section of the Sewer System Management Plan state that the City shall evaluate
its service area to determine whether a FOG control program is needed. The FOG source
control program shall include the following as appropriate:
(a) An implementation plan and schedule for a public education outreach program that
promotes proper disposal of FOG;
(b) A plan and schedule for the disposal of FOG generated within the sanitary sewer
system service area. This may include a list of acceptable disposal facilities and/or
additional facilities needed to adequately dispose of FOG generated within a sanitary
sewer system service area;
(c) The legal authority to prohibit discharges to the system and identify measures to
prevent SSOs and blockages caused by FOG;
(d) Requirements to install grease removal devices (such as traps or interceptors),
design standards for the grease removal devices, maintenance requirements, best
management practices (BMP) requirements, record keeping and reporting
requirements;
(e) Authority to inspect grease producing facilities, enforcement authorities, and
determination of whether the collection system agency has sufficient staff to inspect
and enforce the FOG ordinance;
(f) An identification of sewer system sections subject to FOG blockages and the
establishment of a cleaning maintenance schedule for each section; and
(g) Development and implementation of source control measures, for all sources of
FOG discharged to the sewer system, for each sewer system section identified in (f)
above.
7.1 Program Background
The City’s Environmental Programs section of the Wastewater Division permits and inspects
grease and oil generating facilities to ensure control of discharges that may cause blockages. A
Fats, Oil and Grease (FOG) Control Program has been in place in the San Luis Obispo since
1989. It includes discharger education on the control of fats, oil and grease, and specific
guidelines facilities must follow. The program is implemented by the Water Quality Lab Manager,
and the Environmental Compliance Inspectors. Over 250 food establishments have been issued
Class II Industrial Discharge permits and are inspected annually as a part of this program as
food establishments are the largest non-domestic contributors of FOG to the City’s wastewater
collection system.
The City recently updated the FOG ordinance in 2024 to make it more robust and
comprehensive. These updates can be seen in the San Luis Obispo Municipal Code (SLOMC)
Sections 13.08.090 - 096. SLOMC 13.08.091 requires that a grease control device be installed
in all commercial kitchens, restaurants, bakeries, and other food processing facilities to remove
liquid wastes containing FOG. The grease control device must not only meet the California
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Uniform Plumbing Code, and be approved by the City’s Building Division, but it must also be
sized according to a formula that takes into account
food type, quantity of meals served, and days
between cleaning. Improperly maintained grease
removal equipment allows FOG to pass through to
the wastewater collection system where it can
result in blockages and potential sewer overflows.
Wastewater collection system staff frequently clean
sewer lines, resulting in additional staff hours
required to remove FOG, which could have been
removed at the point of generation. The City’s
Water Resource Recovery Facility may also be
impacted by accumulated FOG, which can interfere
with treatment processes and subsequently result
in compliance challenges with the City’s (NPDES)
permit to discharge to San Luis Creek.
Environmental Programs staff conducts annual grease control device inspections at facilities
with Class II Discharge Permits, referring to SLOMC 13.08.091 to document that each grease
control device is maintained to prevent FOG from entering the City’s wastewater collection
system. These permits allows facilities to discharge process wastewater to the sewer when
permit limits are being met. Inspections are conducted using a standardized inspection form that
addresses best management practices for the prevention of FOG discharges to the sewer.
Permit holders must maintain records of cleaning and maintenance of their grease control
devices. Restaurant protocols that eliminate FOG from entering inside drains are considered,
including employee training and documentation of grease control device servicing. Inspections
are conducted more frequently in areas where excessive grease accumulation has been
documented during preventive and area maintenance of the City’s wastewater collection system.
Additionally, less preventive maintenance and fewer SSOs caused by FOG allow the Utilities
Department to focus resources on other required infrastructure work.
City Wastewater Collection System staff cleaning a sewer main using the
Vac-con..
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7.2 Guidelines for the Control of Fats, Oil &
Grease
As part of the City’s FOG Control Program, food service
establishments are provided the following guidelines as
part of the annual inspection and issuance of a Class II
Industrial Discharge permit:
General Measures
• Train all staff on best management practices related to
FOG. Staff will be more willing to support an effort if they
understand its basis. Trained staff will be more likely to
implement best management practices and work to
reduce FOG discharges to the sewer.
• Post “No Grease” signs above sinks. Signs serve as a
constant reminder to staff of proper grease disposal
practices. Reduction of grease entering the drain
reduces the cleaning frequency of the grease removal
device. Signs are available in both English and Spanish
to be more equitable and reach a broader group of
employees.
City “No Grease” signs
• “Dry wipe” pot, pans and kitchen equipment before cleaning. “Dry wiping” will reduce the
amount of grease going into the grease removal devices and the sewer. This will reduce the
cleaning frequency and maintenance costs for grease removal devices and reduce the
amount of grease entering the drain.
• Use of absorbents, such as paper towels to pick up oil and grease spills prior to mopping.
This decreases the amount of grease entering the drain and protects sewers from grease
blockages and overflows.
City inspector measuring FOG in a gravity grease interceptor.
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• Dispose of food waste as solid waste. Dispose of food waste to the organics trash bin. Solid
waste disposal of food waste will reduce the frequency and cost of grease removal device
cleaning.
• Use screens in sinks and floor drains to capture food waste and dispose of properly into the
trash. Food waste can cause sewer lateral blockages. Proper disposal of food waste will
protect laterals and sewer mains from blockages and overflows.
• Collect and recycle waste cooking oil. Excess oil is prevented from entering the grease
removal device and the sewer. This results in reducing the cleaning frequency of the grease
removal device and less grease being sent to the sewer.
Grease Control Device Maintenance
• Complete grease control device maintenance log to document cleaning intervals.
Maintenance logs can help facilities determine if cleaning frequency of the grease removal
device is sufficient. A proper cleaning frequency will result in less grease accumulating in the
lateral, fewer blockages and less pass through to the sewer lines.
• Clean grease control devices at a frequency that will prevent the accumulation of grease or
pass through to the sewer. Routine cleaning of the grease removal device ensures efficient
operations. Routine cleaning will prevent grease from passing through to the sewer lateral
and from accumulating in the sewer mains. Minimum frequencies have been established
with the updated FOG ordinance.
• Do not store anything on or around the grease removal device that will block access. Proper
maintenance is easier to complete if access to the grease removal device is not obstructed.
Routine maintenance is more likely to be performed if the grease removal device is easily
accessible.
Outdoor Housekeeping/Storm Water Best Management Practices
• Clean floor mats and exhaust filters and other equipment inside, and into a drainage fixture
that is connected to a grease control device, if possible. Cleaning greasy equipment outside
is one of the most common sources of FOG in the City’s storm drains. Grease and food waste
that is properly disposed of will not enter the storm drain where it will de-grade surface water
quality.
• Sweep or mop outdoor surfaces. Sweeping and mopping outdoor surfaces will reduce non-
storm water runoff and will save water. Pressure washing or using water to clean outside
may create water discharges that degrade receiving surface water quality.
• Any water used to clean outside surfaces by contractors must be vacuumed and properly
disposed of to the sewer. The City’s municipal code prohibits discharging or dumping any
sewage, garbage, rubbish or otherwise polluted water to any storm drain or natural outlet.
• Keep dumpster and trash can lids always closed. Additionally, keep the area around the
dumpster/trash storage clear of trash, debris, and grease. Debris, trash, and grease may
inadvertently be washed into the storm drain during the rainy season. Following these
practices will prevent loose debris and trash from entering the storm drain, which may cause
blockages and may enter the receiving surface waters.
7.3 FOG Program Education
Information on proper disposal of FOG and other SSO prevention measures, including private
sewer lateral maintenance etc. is disseminated through brochures and articles on the City’s
website. The City also practices routine personal outreach to business owners through the City’s
Environmental Compliance Inspectors. These methods have proven to be very effective in
conveying information on proper disposal of FOG, and SSO prevention methods to the public.
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All new permittees in the FOG Program are given a FOG brochure as part of their permit
package.
City “No Grease” signs
Section 8: System Evaluation & Capacity Assurance
Plan
The General Waste Discharge Requirements for the System Evaluation and Capacity
Assurance Plan section of the Sewer System Management Plan include that the City shall
prepare and implement a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) that will provide hydraulic
capacity of key sanitary sewer system elements for dry weather peak flow conditions, as
well as the appropriate design storm or wet weather event. At a minimum, the plan must
include:
(a) Evaluation: Actions needed to evaluate those portions of the sanitary sewer system
that are experiencing or contributing to an SSO discharge caused by hydraulic
deficiency. The evaluation must provide estimates of peak flows (including flows from
SSOs that escape from the system) associated with conditions similar to those
causing overflow events, estimates of the capacity of key system components,
hydraulic deficiencies (including components of the system with limiting capacity)
and the major sources that contribute to the peak flows associated with overflow
events.
(b) Design Criteria: Where design criteria do not exist or are deficient, undertake the
evaluation identified in (a) above to establish appropriate design criteria.
(c) Capacity Enhancement Measures: The steps needed to establish a short- and long-
term CIP to address identified hydraulic deficiencies, including prioritization,
alternatives analysis, and schedules. The CIP may include increases in pipe size,
inflow and infiltration (I/I) reduction programs, increases and redundancy in pumping
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capacity, and storage facilities. CIP shall include an implementation schedule and
shall identify sources of funding.
(d) Schedule: The City shall develop a schedule of completion dates for all portions of
the capital improvement program developed in (a)-(c) above. This schedule shall be
reviewed and updated consistent with the SSMP review and update requirements as
described in Section D. 14 [of the GWDR].
8.1 Capacity Assessment & Enhancement
A critical function of a wastewater collection system is to provide adequate capacity to handle
peak wet weather flows, which are associated with Infiltration and Intrusion (I&I). The purpose
of a capacity assessment is to ensure that adequate capacity exists in all portions of the
wastewater collection system, and that downstream portions that will receive wastewater from
new connections that can handle the additional flow.
The City completed the Wastewater Collection Infrastructure Renewal Strategy project in 2016,
which included a hydraulic model of the City’s wastewater collection system, and prioritization
of system improvements and replacements. The model is updated annually and is used in capital
planning for the City’s Financial Plan. In 2025, the City is finalizing and updating the
Infrastructure Renewal Strategy, which will include updated capacity assessments, an updated
system hydraulic model, and prioritized capital improvement projects which address the
requirements forecasted in the City’s 2035 General Plan. Problem areas are prioritized and
further refined on an ongoing basis for short- and long-term capital replacement using historical
maintenance data. Table 16 includes data on improvements to the wastewater collection system,
including both City infrastructure and new development. For that twenty-five-year period,
172,760 feet (over 32 miles) of sewer lines were installed or replaced.
Over the past 25 years the City has made significant progress in reducing sanitary sewer
overflows and service interruptions with comprehensive maintenance activities and capital
improvement projects in the system. Current data indicates that significant I&I still exists, and
that additional improvements to both public and private sewer systems is required.
Table 17: Sewer Line Installations, 1999-2024
Year
Sewer Lines Installed
Capital Improvement Program
(in feet)
Sewer Lines Installed
New Development
(in feet)
1999 416 2,450
2000 269 822
2001 4,322 16,387
2002 158 6,870
2003 2,254 619
2004 1,313 0
2005 3,677 1,759
2006 3,614 502
2007 1,646 1,201
2008 1,613 2,920
2009 5,673 0
2010 923 0
2011 6,379 0
2012 6,851 0
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2013 1,303 2,503
2014 4,231 3,045
2015 7,307 4,023
2016 2,055 4,309
2017 1,588 7,808
2018 0 11,683
2019 3,717 6,891
2020 2,830 17,481
2021 5,488 7,148
2022 3,551 245
2023 638 178
2024 952 1,148
Total: 72,768 Ft 99,992 Ft
Average: 2,799 feet/year 3,846 feet/year
Source: City Utilities Department, 2024.
8.2 Capital Improvement Program
Corresponding to the City’s two-year budget cycle, the
Utilities Department staff spends significant time updating
and developing the corresponding capital improvement
program for the wastewater collection system. Identified
objectives related to Wastewater Collection System
Improvements include:
x Replace aging, deteriorated deficient or otherwise
troublesome sewer infrastructure;
x Reduce periodic maintenance requirements;
x Reduce infiltration and inflow of storm water; and
x Provide uninterrupted sewage transmission
without health hazards, exfiltration, or spills.
Some of the City’s sewer lines are over 100 years old, and some do not have sufficient capacity.
Maintenance requirements increase dramatically as a pipeline approaches the end of its useful
life. With an expected service life of fifty years, approximately two percent of the wastewater
collection system must be replaced each year. In some cases, pipelines can be rehabilitated
without digging them up. Trenchless methods of sewer rehabilitation are utilized whenever it is
economically feasible or necessitated by environmental conditions.
Wastewater collection system capital improvement projects included in the City’s Capital
Improvement Financial Plan, for 2025 through 2027, are provided in Appendix F. Long term
capital planning in completed annually, with a ten-year look ahead. As shown in Table 7, much
of the City’s wastewater collection system is on a preventive maintenance schedule. Proposed
projects involve the replacement of sewer mains and related facilities that are approaching
capacity. Modern materials and better pipe joints result in a significant reduction in root intrusion
and I&I. When these older sewer lines are replaced, the lines will be placed on routine area
maintenance.
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8.3 Private Sewer Laterals
A study conducted in the early 1990s found that private sewer laterals connected to the City’s
wastewater collection system contribute to significant I&I problems. The study’s findings
indicated that failures were mostly due to pipe construction materials, such as use of Orangeburg
pipe, or joint failure in vitrified clay pipe (VCP). Due to I&I problems and the availability of modern
materials such as PVC, the City’s standard changed during the 1980s prohibit the use of
Orangeburg pipe for private sewer laterals. Since then, the City has also prohibited the use of
VCP, Cast Iron, and Orangeburg pipe allowing only HDPE, PVC, and ABS pipe for new
construction.
The City’s Voluntary Sewer Lateral Rehabilitation Program was
first established in July 1997, with the City beginning to accept
applications for video inspections of private laterals in September
of that year. After a temporary suspension from 2004 to 2007 due
to limited funding, the program was reinstated in July 2007.
Between 2007 and 2011, 211 residential service laterals were
replaced. The program was designed to provide mutual benefits
for both the City and homeowners. Homeowners received
construction permits, technical assistance, and a rebate covering
half the cost of replacement or repair, up to a maximum of $1,000
per property. For the City, the rehabilitated laterals helped reduce
I&I into the municipal wastewater collection system, resulting in
lower wastewater treatment costs and delaying the need for
expansion of the City’s WRRF to accommodate increased
capacity. The Voluntary Service Lateral Rehabilitation Program
was discontinued in at the end of the 2010-11 fiscal year.
In 2019, City Council adopted an updated Sewer Lateral
Program, which included a updated reimbursement initiative, an
inspection requirement upon property sale, and a Sewer lateral Offset Program. These programs
were designed to reduce inflow and infiltration (I&I) from sewer laterals in poor condition and
provide homeowners with financial assistance when replacement is required. Table 18 displays
the total number of sewer lateral replacements completed between 2017-24. The reimbursement
program offers homeowners financial assistance in replacing sewer laterals. Homeowners in
non-capacity-constrained areas were eligible for a $2,000 rebate, while those in capacity-
constrained areas received $3,000. In 2024, the City Council approved an increased rebate
amount $4,000 for all qualified applicants.
The Inspection Upon Sale Program requires that a property’s sewer lateral be inspected prior to
the sale of a property, ensuring that the buyer is aware of the sewer lateral condition. This also
updates the City’s database of private sewer infrastructure, which is critical for planning and
enforcement investigations. As of 2025, the City has mapped approximately 50 percent of the
private sewer lateral systems, primarily through the requirements of this program. Additionally,
a Private Sewer Lateral Offset program requires properties within capacity-constrained areas to
replace an off-site property’s sewer lateral when expanding their sewer generation through
certain development conditions, including home renovations, expansions, and new
development. In 2024, the City modified municipal code requirements for single family
homeowners to allow the replacement of their own defective sewer lateral to qualify as required
the sewer offset. As of March 2025, these programs are still in effect, providing valuable
Table 18: Service Lateral
Replacements
Year Service Lateral
Replacements
2017 64
2018 82
2019 94
2020 138
2021 153
2022 118
2023 100
2024 110
Total: 859
Source: City Utilities Department, 2024.
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assistance to homeowners and enhancing the overall ability of the City to maintain its wastewater
collection system while limiting SSOs.
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Section 9. Monitoring, Measurement & Program
Modifications
The General Waste Discharge Requirements for the Monitoring, Measurement, and
Program Modifications section of the Sewer System Management Plan state that the City
shall:
(a) Maintain relevant information that can be used to establish and prioritize
appropriate SSMP activities;
(b) Monitor the implementation and, where appropriate, measure the effectiveness of
each element of the SSMP;
(c) Assess the success of the preventative maintenance program;
(d) Update program elements, as appropriate, based on monitoring or performance
evaluations; and
(e) Identify and illustrate SSO trends, including: frequency, location, and volume.
9.1 Performance Measures
The indicators that the City uses to measure the performance of its wastewater collection system
and the effectiveness of its SSMP are:
• SSO Rate (SSOs/100 miles/year);
• Number of SSOs for each cause (roots, grease, debris, pipe failure, capacity, lift station
failures, etc.);
• Average SSO volume (gallons);
• Percentage of SSOs greater than 100 gallons;
• Percentage of SSOs reported as Category 1;
• Percentage of sewage contained compared to total volume spilled; and
• Percentage of total spilled sewage discharged to surface water.
9.2 Historical and Baseline Performance
The City maintains information relevant to the performance of its wastewater collection system
in its local database, and within CIWQS, which is shown in Table 19. The City has reported
SSOs using CIWQS since 2007. Geospatial and trend analysis is conducted annually, or as
additional data becomes available.
Table 19: Historic Data on Sanitary Sewer Overflows 2015-2024
Year # of SSOs SSO Cause Average Volume
Spilled
Volume Spilled
Discharged
to Surface Water
Future Prevention
2015 12
Roots
Debris
Structural
Failure
568 1,650
Changed preventive
maintenance frequency,
and completed point repairs
2016 7
Roots
Debris
Capacity
Exceeded
Design
2,069 13,955 Changed preventive
maintenance frequency
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2017 10
Roots
Grease
Structural
Failure
Capacity
Exceeded
Design
8,476 84,710
Changed preventive
maintenance frequency
Exploring Lateral Program
to reduce I/I
2018 6
Roots
Grease
Debris
478 2,500 Changed preventive
maintenance frequency
2019 6
Roots
Grease
Debris
3,691 22,150
Changed preventive
maintenance frequency,
and completed point repairs
2020 7
Roots
Grease
Debris
4,853 33,587
Changed preventive
maintenance frequency,
and completed point repairs
2021 10
Roots
Grease
Debris
956 7,789
Changed preventive
maintenance frequency,
and completed point repairs
2022 13
Roots
Grease
Debris
Construction
error
8,603 107,551
Changed preventive
maintenance frequency and
completed point repairs.
Debrief with contractor and
additional training before
project kickoffs.
2023 4
Roots
Grease
Debris
75 0
Changed preventive
maintenance frequency,
and completed point repairs
2024 1 1 Debris 911 911 Changed preventive
maintenance frequency
Source: California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS), 2024.
9.3 Performance Monitoring and Program Changes
The City evaluates the performance of its wastewater collection system annually using the
performance measures identified above. The City will update the data and analysis in this section
during annual evaluations. The City may use other performance measures in its evaluation. The
City will prioritize its actions and initiate changes to this SSMP, and the related programs, based
on the results of the evaluation.
9.4 SSMP Updates
The City first adopted its SSMP in 2009, updated it in 2014, 2019, and 2025, to reflect current
GWDR requirements, standard operating procedures, data, and inventories. The City will update
its SSMP at least every five years. The City will determine the need to update its SSMP more
frequently based on the results of the semi-annual audits and the performance of its sanitary
sewer system. If the City decides that an update is warranted, the process to complete the
update will be identified at that time. The City will complete the update within one year following
identification of the need for the update.
City staff will seek approval from the City Council for any significant changes to the SSMP. The
authority for approval of minor changes such as employee names, contact information, or minor
procedural changes is delegated to the Utilities Director.
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The City will certify that it has completed the biennial audit using CIWQS. Copies of the current
SSMP document will be available to all interested parties at the City, Utilities Department
(Administration Office), 879 Morro Street, during normal business hours.
Section 10: Program Audits
The GWDR requirements for Program Audits section of the Sewer System Management
Plan states that the Enrollee shall:
a) Conduct periodic internal audits, appropriate to the size of the system and the
number of SSOs. At a minimum, these audits must occur every two years and a
report must be prepared and kept on file. This audit shall focus on evaluating the
effectiveness of the SSMP and the City’s compliance with the SSMP requirements
identified in this subsection (D.13 [of the GWDR]), including identification of any
deficiencies in the SSMP and steps to correct them.
This section outlines the auditing method that the City will follow to evaluate the effectiveness of
the SSMP to identify updates that may be needed for a more effective program.
The City will audit its implementation and compliance with the provisions of this SSMP no less
than once every three years. The audit will be conducted by staff from the Utilities Department,
with final review from the Wastewater Collection System Supervisor. The audit team may include
staff from other programs in the City as needed. The scope of the audit will cover each of the
major sections of the SSMP. An Audit Checklist, based on the requirements in the GWDR, is
included in Table 20.
The results of the audit, including the identification of any deficiencies and the steps taken or
planned to correct them, will be included in the SSMP Audit Report. The SSMP Audit Report will
focus on the effectiveness of the SSMP program, compliance with the GWDR requirements, and
identification of any deficiencies in the SSMP. The SSMP Audit Report will identify revisions that
may be needed for a more effective program. Information collected as part of Section 9
(Monitoring, Measurement, and Program Modifications) will be used in preparing the audit.
Tables, figures or charts will be used to summarize information related to key performance
indicators. Completed audits are kept on file on the City’s servers and on CIWQS for periodic
review and assessment.
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Table 20: SSMP Audit Checklist
Audit Date:
Audit Team Members:
Section/Title SSMP Requirement Audit Yes No
1. Goals Reduce, prevent, and mitigate spills Are the goals stated in the SSMP still
appropriate and accurate?
2. Organization
- Names of City staff responsible for
development, implementation, and
maintenance of SSMP
- Names and phone numbers for
key City staff
- Chain of communication for
reporting SSOs
- Designate LRO(s)
-Chain of communication for
reporting SSOs
A. Is the City Staff telephone list current?
B. Is the SSO Chain of Communication
telephone list current?
C. Is Figure 2-1 of the SSMP, entitled
“Organization of City Staff Responsible for
Sewer System,” current?
D. Are the position descriptions accurate
portrayals of staff responsibilities?
E. Is Figure 2-2 of the SSMP, entitled “SSO
Reporting Chain of Communication” accurate
and up-to-date?
3. Legal
Authority
-Ability to require sewers and
connections be properly designed
and constructed
-Ability to ensure access for
inspection, maintenance, and
repairs (includes public portion of
lateral)
-Ability to limit discharge of FOG
and debris that may cause
blockages
-Ability to require the installation of
grease removal devices
-Ability to inspect FOG producing
facilities
-Ability to enforce violations of the
City’s sewer ordinances
Does the SSMP contain references to the
current City Ordinance(s) documenting the
City’s legal authority to:
A. Prevent illicit discharges?
B. Require proper design and construction of
sewers and connections?
C. Ensure access for maintenance, inspection
or repairs for portions of the laterals owned or
maintained by the district?
D. Limit discharges of fats, oils and grease?
E. Enforce any violation of its sewer
ordinance?
4. Operation &
Maintenance
-Describe routine preventive
maintenance program
-Document completed preventive
maintenance using work order
system
-Rehabilitation and replacement
plan that identifies and prioritizes
sanitary sewer system facilities
-CIP showing the schedule for
rehabilitation and replacement
projects
-Provide regular technical training
for City sanitary sewer system staff
-Require contractors to provide
training for their employees who
work in the Agency’s sanitary sewer
system facilities
-Maintain equipment inventory
-Maintain critical spare part
inventory
Collection System Maps
A. Does the SSMP reference the current
process and procedures for maintaining the
City’s sewer collection system maps?
B. Are the City’s sewer collection system maps
complete, current and sufficiently detailed?
Resources and Budget
C. Does the City allocate sufficient funds for
the effective operation, maintenance and
repair of the sewer collection system and is
the current budget structure documented in
the SSMP?
Prioritized Preventative Maintenance
D. Does the SSMP describe current
preventative maintenance activities?
E. Are the City’s preventative maintenance
activities sufficient and effective in minimizing
SSOs and blockages?
Scheduled Inspections and Condition
Assessments
F. Is there an ongoing condition assessment
program sufficient to develop a capital
improvement plan addressing the proper
management and protection of infrastructure
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Section/Title SSMP Requirement Audit Yes No
assets? Are current components of this
program documented in the SSMP?
Contingency Equipment and Replacement
Inventory
G. Does the SSMP list the major equipment
currently used in the operation and
maintenance of the collection system and
document the procedures of inventory
management?
H. Are contingency equipment and
replacement parts sufficient to respond to
emergencies and properly conduct regular
maintenance?
Training
I. Are the training records current?
J. Does the SSMP document current training
expectations and programs within the district’s
Wastewater department?
Outreach to Plumbers and Building
Contractors
K. Does the SSMP document contain current
outreach efforts to plumbers and building
contractors?
5. Design &
Performance
Provisions
-Design and construction standards
for new sanitary sewer system
facilities
-Design and construction standards
for repair / rehabilitation of existing
sanitary sewer system facilities
-Procedures for the inspection and
acceptance of sanitary sewer
system facilities
A. Does the SSMP contain current design and
construction standards for the installation of
new sanitary sewer systems and for the
rehabilitation and repair of existing sanitary
sewer systems?
B. Does the SSMP document contain current
procedures and standards for inspecting and
testing the installation of new sewers, pumps
and other appurtenances and the rehabilitation
and repair of existing sewer lines?
6.spill
Emergency
Response Plan
-Procedures for the notification of
primary responders
-Procedures for the notification of
regulatory agencies
-Program to ensure appropriate
response to all SSOs
-Proper reporting of all SSOs
-Procedure to ensure staff are
aware of, are trained, and follow
Plan
-Procedure to ensure contractor
personnel are aware of, are trained,
and follow Plan
-Procedures to address emergency
operations such as traffic and
crowd control
-Program to prevent the discharge
of sewage to surface waters
-Program to minimize or correct the
impacts of any SSOs that occur
-Program of accelerated monitoring
to determine the impacts of any
SSOs that occur
A. Does the City’s SSO Overflow and
Emergency Response Plan establish
procedures for the emergency response,
notification and reporting of SSOs?
B. Is wastewater staff appropriately trained on
the procedures of the SSO Overflow and
Emergency Response Plan?
C. Is the SSO Overflow and Emergency
Response Plan effective in handling SSOs in
order to safeguard public health and the
environment?
7. FOG Control
Program
-Public outreach program that
promotes the proper disposal of
FOG
A. Does the FOG Control Program include
efforts to educate the public on the proper
handling and disposal of FOG?
B. Does the FOG Control Program identify
sections of the collection system subject to
FOG blockages, establish a cleaning schedule
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Section/Title SSMP Requirement Audit Yes No
-Plan for the disposal of FOG
generated within the Agency’s
service area
-Demonstrate that the Agency has
allocated adequate resources for
FOG control program
-Identification of sanitary sewer
system facilities that have FOG-
related problems
-Program of preventive
maintenance for sanitary sewer
system facilities that have FOG-
related problems
and address source control measures to
minimize these blockages?
C. Are requirements for grease removal
devices, best management practices (“BMP”),
record-keeping and reporting established in
the
district’s FOG Control Program?
D. Does the City have sufficient legal authority
to implement and enforce the FOG Control
Program?
E. Is the current FOG Control Program
effective in minimizing blockages of sewer
lines resulting from discharges of FOG to the
system?
8. System
Evaluation &
Capacity
Assurance Plan
-Identification of elements of the
sanitary sewer system that
experience or contribute to SSOs
caused by hydraulic deficiencies
-Established design criteria that
provide adequate capacity
-Short and long term CIP that
includes schedules for projects to
addresses known hydraulic
deficiencies
-Procedures that provide for the
analysis, evaluation, and
prioritization of hydraulic
deficiencies
A. Does the City’s SSMP evaluate hydraulic
deficiencies in the system and, if needed,
establish sufficient design criteria and
short/long term capacity enhancement and
improvement projects?
B. If needed, does the City’s SSMP establish a
schedule of approximate completion dates for
both short and long-term improvements and is
the schedule reviewed and updated to reflect
current budgetary capabilities and activity
accomplishment?
9. Monitoring,
Measurement &
Program
Modifications
-Maintain relevant information to
establish, evaluate, and prioritize
SSMP activities
-Monitor implementation of the
SSMP
Measure, where appropriate, the
performance of the elements of the
SSMP
- Assess success of the preventive
maintenance program
-Update SSMP program elements
based on monitoring or
performance
-Identify and illustrate SSO trends
A. Does the SSMP accurately portray the
methods of tracking and reporting selected
performance indicators?
B. Is the City able to sufficiently evaluate the
effectiveness of SSMP elements based on
relevant information?
10. SSMP
Program Audits
- Conduct audits at least every 2
years
- Record the results of the audit in a
report
- Record the changes made and/or
corrective actions taken
A. Will the SSMP Audit be conducted every
two years as required by WQ 2022-0103-
DWQ?
11.
Communication
Program
- Communicate with the public
regarding the preparation of the
SSMP
- Communicate with the public
regarding the performance of the
SSMP
- Communicate with tributary or
satellite sewer systems
A. Does the City effectively communicate with
the public about the development and
implementation of its SSMP and continue to
address any feedback?
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Section 11. Communication Program
The GWDR requirements for the Communication Program section of the Sewer System
Management Plan state that the Enrollee shall:
(a) Communicate on a regular basis with the public on the development,
implementation, and performance of its SSMP. The communication system shall
provide the public the opportunity to provide input to the Agency as the program is
developed and implemented.
(b) Create a plan of communication with systems that are tributary and/or satellite to
the Agency’s sanitary sewer system.
11.1 Communication with the Public
The Utilities Department website contains information and contact numbers for the Wastewater
Collection System and Environmental Program section’s staff. As described in this Plan, the City
reports SSOs electronically to the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS). The
electronic SSO data, as well as information regarding regulatory actions, is available at:
http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/ciwqs/publicreports.shtml.
The Utilities Department’s conducts frequent outreach, seeking to obtain input from public
stakeholders. One example of this outreach includes participation in routine “Developer’s
Roundtable” (Roundtable) events in partnership with the City’s Community Development
Department staff. At the Roundtable, staff present policy updates and hear challenges and ideas
from the development community. Another example is routine participation in a Thursday night
farmer’s market booth, where the public can ask questions, and educational materials are
distributed. One additional example of public outreach and communication with the public is
ongoing participation at local Realtor’s Association meetings to discuss program requirements,
available rebates, and to educate potential homeowners on maintenance and risks associated
with their private sewer lateral system.
The adopted SSMP document is available to the public at the City, Utilities Department
(Administration Office) at 879 Morro Street during normal business hours or on the City’s
website at:
https://www.slocity.org/government/department-directory/utilities-
department/wastewater/wastewater-collections/sewer-system-operations-and-maintenance.
Interested parties can contact the Utilities Department for additional information at 805-781-
7215.
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Appendix A: Sample CCTV Inspection Report
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Appendix B: California Water Environment
Association (CWEA) Certification Requirements
The California Water Environment Association’s (CWEA’s) certification requirements are
available on the CWEA website at the link below:
https://www.cwea.org/certification/
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Appendix C: Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO)
Reporting Guidelines
Standard Operating Procedure (WWC)
Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) Reporting Guidelines
Always have the following information ready to give any agency: Location (include lane,
court, way, etc.), date, time and size of spill, whether it reached a creek or storm drain,
name of creek, property owner, type of cleanup performed, and description of cause.
Category 1: GREATER THAN 1,000 GALLONS OR REACHES WATERWAY/STORM
DRAIN OR TRIBUTARY TO A SURFACE WATER
Conduct water quality sampling within 18 hours after initial SSO notification for Category 1 SSO’s
that exceed 50,000 gallons to a surface water. (See Water Quality Monitoring Requirements,
SSMP, Appendix E)
Category 2: GREATER THAN OR EQUAL TO 1,000 GALLONS THAT DOES NOT REACH
A SURFACE WATER, A DRAINAGE CHANNEL OR THE MS4 THAT IS NOT FULLY
RECOVERED.
1. During Normal Business Hours: Contact the Wastewater Collection System Supervisor,
or designeefrom Wastewater Collection System staff. Wastewater Collection System staff
will contact the proper agencies.
2. After Hours or on Weekend: contact the following agencies:
a. California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES): (800-852-7550) or (916- 845-8911).
Call as soon as possible, but no later than two (2) hours after becoming aware of the
discharge. Be sure to get the name of the person you talked to and Cal OES control
#. See attachment E1, 1.2 for required information to give to Cal-OES.
b. San Luis Obispo County Sheriff Department: (781-4550). Call as soon as possible, but
no later than two (2) hours after becoming aware of the discharge. Tell them that there
has been a SSO and request they contact the on-call person from the County
Environmental Health Department.
c. Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB): (805) 549-3706) Sarah Crable. Call as
soon as possible, but no later than two (2) hours after becoming aware of the discharge.
Leave detailed message with spill information and contact number. Backup Contact for
a Significant Spill - NPDES Program Manager Arwen Wyatt-Mair, 805-542-4695,
arwen.wyattmair@waterboard.ca.gova
d. Department of Fish and Wildlife: (831-649-2870) 24-hour dispatch. Regardless of the
size, if any amount of wastewater reaches a creek. Call as soon as possible, but no later
than two (2) hours after becoming aware of the discharge. Be sure to get the name of
the person you talked to at dispatch.
e. San Miguelito Mutual Water Company (SM): (805-595-2348). Regardless of the size, if
any amount of wastewater reaches a creek. Call as soon as possible, but no later than
two (2) hours after becoming aware of the discharge. Select #4 (pound 4) “To be
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connected to our emergency call service” and leave detailed message with spill
information and contact number.
Complete City’s spill report form and email to Environmental Programs staff ASAP. If no one is
present when the report is emailed, contact the Wastewater Deputy Director. Follow up with a
Microsoft Teams post with current status, photos and relevant information.
Category 3: ALL OTHER DISCHARGES OF UNTREATED OR PARTIALLY TREATED
WASTEWATER RESULTING OF A SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM FAILURE.
1. During normal business hours: Contact the Wastewater Collection System Supervisor, or
designee, from Wastewater Collection System staff. Wastewater Collection System staff will
contact the proper agencies.
2. After hours or on a weekend: Contact the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff Department:
(805-781-4550) tell them that there has been a discharge of wastewater and request they
contact the on-call person from the County Environmental Health Department. Complete the
City’s spill report and email to Environmental Programs staff ASAP.
SSO LESS THAN 50 GALLONS:
Complete the City’s spill report and email to Environmental Programs ASAP. Follow up with a
Microsoft Teams post with current status, photos and relevant information.
WRITTEN AND ORAL REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
Contact the following agencies:
a. Cal OES: If spill is over 1000 gallons or reaches waterway, call (800-852-7550) or (916-845-
8911). Record case number for reference and report.
b. RWQCB: If spill is over 1000 gallons, reaches waterway, or occurred in area with likely
public contact, call ((805) 549-3706) Sarah Crable, as soon as possible (Must be reported
within two (2) hours of the time you have knowledge of the spill). Provide the required spill
information. If you leave a message, leave your name and call back number. Written report
must be submitted within five (5) days. Spills that meet CIWQS criteria shall be reported by
the Wastewater Collection System Supervisor, or an alternate LRO, within three days.
c. SLO County Environmental Health: If spill is over 50 gallons, call (805-781-5544). Give the
spill information and let them know that the written report will be sent via email
(ehs@co.slo.ca.us) or fax (Fax: 805-781-4211).
d. California Department of Fish and Wildlife : (831-649-2870) 24 hour dispatch. Regardless
of the size, if any amount of wastewater reaches a creek. Call as soon as possible, but no
later than two (2) hours after becoming aware of the discharge. Be sure to get the name of
the person you talked to at dispatch.
e. Proposition 65/County Board of Supervisors: If spill is a threat to the environment or
human health, call the Public Works Dept. at (805-781-5252). Give the spill information and
let them know that the written report will be sent via email (publicworks@co.slo.ca.us) or fax
(Fax: 805-781-1229).
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Appendix D: Sample Sewer Spill Report
Reporting Party: Phone:
Caller Name:Phone:
Date of Call: Time:
Spill Location ID:Spill Location Address:
Longitude: Latitude:
1.Spill Start Time Information
Caller Interview
Is sewage actively spilling? տտ Yes տտ No
If yes, from: տ Maintenance cover/Street
տ Private Property/Cleanout
տ Wet Well
տ Inside Building
տ Other
Spill Start Date: Time:
WWC Notified Date:Time:
WWC Arrival Date: Time:
Spill End Date:Time:
Spill Duration Hrs: Min:
Comments:
Description of Spill
Sanitary Sewer Overflow
SPILL REPORT
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Comments:
2.Spill Responder
Include all available details (use attachments if needed) – submit follow-up written reports as necessary.
STOP! Take pictures of overflow at this time.
Names of responders and arrival time (list all):
3.Spill Estimation
Estimated spill volume that reached a separate storm drain that
flows to a surface water body:
Estimated spill volume recovered from the separate storm drain
that flows to a surface water body: (Do not include water used for
clean-up)
Estimated spill volume that directly reached a drainage channel
that flows to a surface water body:
Estimated spill volume recovered from a drainage channel
that flows to a surface water body:
Estimated spill volume discharged directly to a surface water body:
Estimated spill volume recovered from surface water body:
Estimated spill volume discharged to land:
(Includes backups to building structures)
Estimated spill volume recovered from the discharge to land:
(Do not include water used for clean-up)
Estimated spill start time/date:
Spill observed from: Maintenance cover ID: Lift Station ID:
4.Spill Location
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Cleanout address:
Comments:
Building address:
Comments:
Spill destination:
(Check all that apply)
տ Building
տ Storm System
տ Unpaved Surface
տ Paved Surface
տ Street
տ Curb
տ Other
__________________
Did spill reach: տ Creek/Channel տ Storm Drain
If yes, creek name or storm drain location:
Does spill appear to be over 1000 gallons? տտ Yes տտ No
Time discovered spill entered waterway:
IF SPILL REACHED A CREEK, CHANNEL, OR STORM DRAIN,
THIS IS A CATEGORY 1 SPILL UNLESS FULLY CAPTURED/RETURNED.
Spill Category determined to be:
(See Page 7 for category descriptions)
տտ
Category 1
տտ
Category 2
տտ
Category 3
տտ
Category 4
տտ
Private Lateral
5.Downstream
Maintenance cover
տտ No flow in channel տտ Trickle flow in
channel
Depth of Flow in Channel:
Inches
6.Spill Containment
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Containment implemented: տտ Yes տտ No
Containment measures:
7.Cleanup
Time cleanup began:Completed:
Gallons retrieved:
Describe cleanup operations:
Were public health warnings posted? տտ Yes տտ No
If yes, location(s) posted:
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8.Cause of Spill
Failure at:
տտ Mainline
տտ Upper lateral
տտ Lift station wet well
տտ Lower Lateral
տ Force Main
տ Other: _______________
Spill cause:
տ Roots
տ Debris
տ Capacity
տ Lift Station Failure
տ Grease
տ Vandalism
տ Capacity
տ Other: _______________
Was spill cause determined by CCTV inspection? տ Yes տ No
If yes, attach TV Report to this form
Any overflows in the last 3 years in the same location? տ Yes տ No
If yes, how many?
Measures taken to prevent future overflows in this location:
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Reporting
Report to Cal-EMA Phone: (800) 852-7550 or
(916) 845-8911
Date Called: Time Called:
Control Number provided by Cal-EMA:
Name of Person Contacted: Or Left Message:
Report to RWQCB Phone: (805) 549-3706
Date Called: Time Called:
Name of Person Contacted: Sarah Crable Or Left Message:
Report to SLO County Sheriff (On-Call Person
for County Environmental Health Dept): Phone: (805) 781-4550
Date Called: Time Called:
Name of Person Contacted: Or Left Message:
Report to County Department
of Environmental Health Phone: (805) 781-5544
Date Called: Time Called:
Name of Person Contacted: Or Left Message:
Report to San Miguelito (only if spill
reached SLO Creek): Phone: (805) 595-2348 opt 4
Date Called: Time Called:
Name of Person Contacted: Or Left Message:
Report to County Board of Supervisors: Email: ccampa@co.slo.ca.us
Date Emailed: Time Emailed:
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Spill Categories and Definitions
Category 1
Discharges of untreated or partially untreated wastewater of
any volume resulting from an enrollee’s sanitary sewer system
failure or flow condition that:
x Reach surface water and/or reach a drainage channel
tributary to a surface water; or
x Reach a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System
(MS4) and are not fully captured and returned to the
sanitary sewer system or not otherwise captured and
disposed of properly.
x Any volume of wastewater not recovered from the MS4
is considered to have reached surface water (unless
the storm drain system discharges to
Notify CalOES, RWQCB, and County Environmental Health
within 2 hours of the spill being discovered.
Category 2
Discharges of untreated or partially treated wastewater of
1,000 gallons or greater resulting from an enrollee’s sanitary
sewer system failure or flow condition that do not reach
surface water, a drainage channel, or a MS4 unless the entire
SSO discharged to the storm drain system is fully recovered
and disposed of properly.
Notify CalOES, RWQCB, and County Environmental Health
within 2 hours of the spill being discovered.
Category 3
All other discharges of untreated or partially treated
wastewater resulting from an enrollee’s sanitary sewer system
failure or flow condition.
Category 4
All other discharges of untreated or partially treated
wastewater less than 50 gallons that discharge to land from an
enrollee’s sanitary sewer system failure or flow condition.
Private Lateral
Sewage Discharge
(PLSD)
(Voluntary)
Discharges of untreated or partially treated wastewater
resulting from blockages or other problems within a privately
owned sewer lateral connected to the enrollee’s sanitary
sewer system or from other private assets. PLSDs that the
enrollee becomes aware of may be voluntarily reported to the
California Integrated Water Quality System (IWQSJ Online
SSO Database).
If any SSO exceeds 50,000 gallons, follow SOP on sampling and reporting.
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Spill Reporting Responsibilities
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Appendix E: Spill Reporting Guidelines (>50,000 gal)
WATER QUALITY MONITORING REQUIREMENTS (from SSS WDR):
To comply with subsection D.7(v) of the SSS WDRs, the enrollee shall develop and implement an SSO Water
Quality Monitoring Program to assess impacts from SSOs to surface waters in which 50,000 gallons or greater
are spilled to surface waters. The SSO Water Quality Monitoring Program, shall, at a minimum:
1. Contain protocols for water quality monitoring.
2. Account for spill travel time in the surface water and scenarios where monitoring may not be possible
(e.g. safety, access restrictions, etc.).
3. Require water quality analyses for ammonia and bacterial indicators to be performed by an accredited
or certified laboratory.
4. Require monitoring instruments and devices used to implement the SSO Water Quality Monitoring
Program to be properly maintained and calibrated, including any records to document maintenance
and calibration, as necessary, to ensure their continued accuracy.
5. Within 48 hours of the enrollee becoming aware of the SSO, require water quality sampling for, at a
minimum, the following constituents:
i. Ammonia
ii. Appropriate Bacterial indicator(s) per the applicable Basin Plan water quality objective or Regional
Board direction which may include total and fecal coliform, enterococcus, and e-coli.
Sewer System Overflow Sampling Plan:
The City Wastewater Collection System staff will first determine whether or not the SSO has reached a receiving
water, by calculating travel paths, flow rates, and containment measures. If the spill is 50,000 gallons or greater
and has come in contact with a receiving water, the SSO Sampling Plan will be followed. The receiving water will
be monitored at three locations:
1) At the SSO discharge point to the receiving water.
2) Upstream from the point of the SSO.
3) Downstream from the point of the SSO.
Three parameters will be monitored per Standard Methods or EPA protocol:
1) Ammonia
2) E. Coli
3) Enterococci
Notify City’s State certified, #1498, laboratory personnel of field sampling requirement related to spill over 50,000
gallons in waterway. In the event that the SSO occurs after hours, contact aforementioned laboratory at start of
business hours the following morning.
Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while performing sampling. Proceed with testing and/or sampling only
when it is determined to be feasible and safe.
1.1 Point of Discharge Sampling/Testing
Step 1: Move to the point where the SSO entered receiving water.
Step 2: Photograph, map and mark the location for future reference.
Step 3: Label the field samples with the date, time, location, and sampler’s initials Record the testing results.
Step 4: Collect 2 bacteriological samples (E. coli and Enterococci) using the supplied containers labeled
“micro”.
Step 5: Collect a 500 ml sample for ammonia using a plastic 16 oz container that contains H2SO4 (gold colored)
preservative.
Step 6: Keep the samples under ice or refrigeration until transferred to the laboratory’s process refrigerator (for
example, use a cooler).
1.2 Upstream Sampling/ Testing
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Step 1: Move 10’ upstream from the point where SSO enters the receiving water (to obtain a non-contaminated
baseline sample).
Step 2: Follow the procedure mentioned in “1.1 Point of Discharge Sampling/Testing” (Steps 2 – 6).
1.3 Downstream Sampling
Step 1: Determine how far the SSO has traveled downstream
x Estimate rate of flow of stream using established City of SLO SOP.
x Use a floating item on the water to determine how far it travels in one minute x estimated number
of minutes since SSO first reached the water. Then measure and record width of stream and in the
same location measure the depth of stream in five locations from left to right.
Step 2: Move to three locations downstream.
x 50’ and 200’ downstream from the point where the SSO enters the receiving water, and
x A point nearest the extent of how far the SSO traveled following calculation in Step 1.
Step 3: Follow the directions mentioned in “1.1 Point of Discharge Sampling / Testing” (Steps 2 - 6)
NOTES:
1) Do not touch micro sample container’s opening rim or bottom of the lid once the lid is removed.
2) Do not overfill sample containers because they contain preservatives including concentrated acids and caustics that are
dangerous and harmful if contacted with skin, eyes etc.
3) All samples should be labeled with location, date, time, preservation and other pertinent. Follow-up sampling and testing
will be performed if determined to be necessary.
4) A technical report summarizing spill event and associated analytical results will be prepared and submitted within the
required 45 days.
City Water Quality Laboratory service hours are: Monday through Sunday, 7AM to 4:30PM.
Samples will be collected and preserved by the City’s state certified laboratory using established SOP protocol and
using per the Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP) certificate number #1498.
Laboratory materials, reagents, and equipment are all maintained as a part of the laboratory’s quality assurance
program to produce legally defensible data as required by ELAP.
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Appendix F: Capital Improvement Plan
The following capital improvement projects are programmed to be completed in the next five
years. Projects are reviewed, modified, and prioritized on an annual basis depending on
current system conditions, funding and budget approvals. At the time that this Plan was
developed, final project budgets are still being determined and will be finalized and published
on the City’s website upon adoption of the City’s 2025-27 Financial Plan.
Sewer Lift Station Replacement - Foothill (CIP 1000079)
The Foothill Lift Station is the oldest in the City’s wastewater collection system and is in a
location with minimal access. This station is over 50 years old and is operating beyond its life
expectancy. The equipment was originally installed in 1962 to serve the Broad Street and
Orcutt area, but was removed and warehoused, then reconfigured and installed in its present
location in 1986. Due to external corrosion the sump pump floor was repaired in 1995. The
existing force main is approximately 325 feet in length and is cast iron pipe. In 2013 the force
main failed due to corrosion and pipe age. A pipeline condition assessment has shown it
should be replaced.
Because of its age and condition, replacement of the lift station has been prioritized with the
other necessary system components. It is recommended that the station be relocated
approximately 500 feet west of its current location to serve future development. Relocating the
station would require an addition of 500 feet of gravity and force main and property and
easement acquisition.
Sewer Lift Station-Airport (CIP 91369)
The Airport Lift Station is located on Broad Street near the intersection of Fiero Lane. This
station is a Smith and Loveless dry/wet well design. It operates with two-240 gpm, 5
horsepower pumps and 840 feet of existing eight-inch force main and was originally
constructed by San Luis Obispo County in 1968; the City took over its operation and
maintenance in 2000. Due to age, poor structural conditions, and exterior corrosion the station
is operating beyond its life expectancy. The replacement lift station will be sited to
accommodate future development of the Airport Area Specific Plan, which will include
additional gravity sewers and a new sewer force main. Efforts will be made to look for
alternative solutions to eliminate the need of a longer forcemain, which may require additional
gravity systems, easement and property acquisitions through the recent Fiero Annexation
completed in 2021.
Sewer Lift Station Replacement – Silver City (CIP 1000082)
The Silver City Lift Station is a Smith and Loveless dry/wet well design and was put into service
in 1971. The existing six-inch asbestos concrete force main pumps under San Luis Obispo
Creek (it is encased under the creek) approximately 765 feet to a maintenance cover upstream
of the Laguna Lift Station. The Silver City lift station operates with two 450 gpm, 18.5
horsepower pumps. The station replacement will be in the same current location proximity. An
additional property acquisition and easements will be required to relocate both the new lift
station and force main. In addition to the force main replacement, it will require the pipe to be
encased in the San Luis creek crossing. The replacement lift station will accommodate a
portion of the future development anticipated in the Margarita Area Specific Plan.
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Sewer Lift Station Maintenance (CIP 2001050)
Replacements of pumps, valves, fittings, electrical components, telemetry, and related
infrastructure are an ongoing need for reliable wastewater lift stations. The purpose of this
project is to categorize the costs for major asset replacements needed at lift stations in effort
to extend the life of the infrastructure without having to replace the entire facility. The project
may include engineering reports, updates to the computer hydraulic model, construction plans
for lift station rehabilitation projects, construction management services, coatings, pump
maintenance, bypass pumping services, telemetry upgrades, electrical repairs, field testing of
infrastructure, and early purchase of materials that are now experiencing long lead times due
to delays in supply chains.
Wastewater Collection System - Point Repairs (CIP 10000527)
Point repairs of sewer mains and related infrastructure is a required effort for a reliable
wastewater collection system. This point repair project will address existing deficiencies in a
surgical manner and identify potential failures in the public wastewater collection system using
video inspections of public mains. The objective of the point repair project is to explore
opportunities to improve wastewater catchment areas in a surgical method with limited impacts
to traffic circulation and paved roads. The project efforts may include engineering reports,
video inspections, updates to the computer hydraulic model, construction plans for point
repairs, construction management services, re-coatings of maintenance covers, research for
grants programs, and field testing of the wastewater collection system. The following projects
have been identified in this financial plan: elimination of sewer pipes along backyard
easements, off-set joints along the pipe between maintenance structures, and computer
modeling efforts of the proposed hydraulic modifications.
Sewer Utility Trench Repair (CIP 91740)
Maintenance Materials: The project includes repairs to paved areas by Job Order Contract
(JOC) where wastewater collection staff needs to address system failures, or potholing
operations along the public sewer system. The objective of the project is to efficiently replace
several temporary asphalt patches within the roadway that resulted from potholing operations
with permanent pavement using bulk orders from the JOC.
Sewer Maintenance Cover Adjustments (CIP 1000084)
Maintenance Materials: The project includes raising or lowering sewer maintenance covers
when road pavement operations are performed by public works within the public right of way.
The objective of the project is to protect existing sewer maintenance cover frames and pipes
from damage by paving machinery, and to efficiently complete paving operations within the
roadway.
Sewer Infrastructure Renewal Strategy Report Update (CIP 91736)
The purpose of this project is to update the computer model of the wastewater collection
system monitoring pipe capacities for existing and future flows. The model will use best
available information from new developments and compare the projections against flow
monitoring data. The flow monitoring efforts will be conducted over several years to record
improvements in pipe integrity and reductions on groundwater infiltration. The information will
be used to schedule priorities for new sewer pipe replacement projects and identify where
groundwater infiltration may be restricting the capacity of the wastewater collection system.
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This study will be particularly important for proper planning of new infill housing developments,
hospital expansions, and possible projects by the university needing additional sewer capacity.
This project is anticipated to be completed in the spring of 2025.
Sewer Inflow and Infiltration Reduction (CIP 91739)
Replacement of wastewater collection pipes, and related infrastructure is an ongoing program
for a reliable sanitary sewer collection system. The program’s inflow and infiltration program
will conduct pipe integrity tests, video inspections of public sewers, smoke testing of service
areas, and schedule point repairs to address existing deficiencies according to priority. The
objective of the project is to explore opportunities to consolidate sewer collection systems that
may run parallel along roadways and construct new sewer lateral interconnections that can
simplify maintenance operations, reduce illegal stormwater connections into the sewer, and
rehabilitate fractures in clay pipes that may be experiencing groundwater infiltration due to soil
settlements or root instructions. A decrease of infiltration flows will result in lower energy costs
needed to treat sewer volumes at the wastewater treatment plant. The project efforts may
include sewer lateral rebates, engineering reports, construction plans for point repairs,
construction management services, sewer maintenance cover re-coatings, sewer flow
monitoring studies, and field testing of wastewater piping infrastructure.
Wastewater Collection Telemetry Improvements (CIP 91370)
The wastewater collection system’s telemetry controllers and radios are unreliable and
becoming obsolete. Proactively maintaining hardware and equipment is critical task of the
wastewater operations to ensure year-round functionality for the operations of sewer lift
stations during normal operations, and emergency conditions. The upgrades to the telemetry
system will provide new hardware, and software system that are easier to program and
maintain.
Tassajara, Cerro Romualdo, Jeffrey, Westmont Pipe Bursting (CIP 1000090)
The City’s wastewater collection system includes approximately 140 miles of sewer lines and
related operational equipment. Some pipes are over 100 years old and are undersized.
Maintenance requirements increase dramatically as pipeline and equipment approach the end
of their useful life. Pipeline and operational equipment require ongoing maintenance and
condition assessment to prioritize periodic replacement, ensure proper function, and prolong
service life. The objective of this project is to replace sewer pipes in areas that have shown
high inflow or infiltration flows based on recorded sewer spills, and high recorded flow rates
during major storm events.
Verde, Luneta, Ramona Pipe Replacement (CIP 1000091)
The City’s wastewater collection system includes approximately 140 miles of sewer mains.
Some pipes are over 100 years old and are undersized to handle the current flow rates.
Maintenance needs increase dramatically as pipelines reach their flow capacities, or when
they approach the end of their useful life. Pipelines in the public wastewater collection system
are inspected using specialized video equipment that will prioritize periodic cleaning
frequencies or recommend a complete replacement. Based on the assessment, this project is
needed for the replacement of sewer mains dating back to 1962. The sewer mains have
experienced structural failures due to root intrusions and have shown high infiltration flows
rates during major storm events, which continue to exceed the flow capacity of the original
design.
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Bouchon - Morro to Johnson Pipeline Replacement CIP 1000092)
The City’s wastewater collection system includes approximately 140 miles of sewer lines and
related operational equipment. Some pipes are over 100 years old and are undersized.
Maintenance requirements increase dramatically as pipeline and equipment approach the end
of their useful life. Pipeline and operational equipment require ongoing maintenance and
condition assessment to prioritize periodic replacement, ensure proper function, and prolong
service life. The objective of this project is to replace existing clay pipes from 1927 with a new
10-inch sewer main serving areas that have shown high inflow or infiltration flows based on
recorded sewer spills, and high recorded flow rates during major storm events. The pipeline
replacement project will require re-routing the sewer flows near the intersection of Johnson
and San Luis Drive into service Area F.
Serrano, Bressi, Dana and Higuera Pipeline Replacement (CIP 1000093)
The City’s wastewater collection system includes approximately 140 miles of sewer lines and
related operational equipment. Some pipes are over 100 years old and are undersized.
Maintenance requirements increase dramatically as pipeline and equipment approach the end
of their useful life. Pipeline and operational equipment require ongoing maintenance and
condition assessment to prioritize periodic replacement, ensure proper function, and prolong
service life. The objective of this project is to replace sewer pipes in areas that have shown
high inflow or infiltration flows based on recorded sewer spills, and high recorded flow rates
during major storm events.
Foothill Sewer Siphon Pipeline Replacement (CIP 1000094)
The City’s wastewater collection system includes approximately 140 miles of sewer lines and
related operational equipment. Some pipes are over 100 years old and are undersized.
Maintenance requirements increase dramatically as pipeline and equipment approach the end
of their useful life. Pipeline and operational equipment require ongoing maintenance and
condition assessment to prioritize periodic replacement, ensure proper function, and prolong
service life. The objective of this project is to replace sewer pipes from 1951 located in the
northwest part of the City that have shown high inflow or infiltration flows based on recorded
sewer spills, and high recorded flow rates during major storm events.
Chorro – Meinecke to Murray Pipe Replacement (CIP 91639)
The City’s wastewater collection system includes approximately 140 miles of sewer mains.
Some pipes are over 100 years old and are undersized to handle the current flow rates.
Maintenance needs increase dramatically as pipelines reach their flow capacities, or when
they approach the end of their useful life. Pipelines in the public wastewater collection system
are inspected using specialized video equipment that will prioritize periodic cleaning
frequencies or recommend a complete replacement. Based on the assessment, this project is
needed for the replacement of sewer mains dating back to 1949. The sewer mains run along
backyard easements and have shown high infiltration flows rates during major storm events,
which continue to exceed the flow capacity of the original design.
Islay, Henry, Sierra Way Pipe Replacement (CIP 1000539)
Maintenance needs increase dramatically as pipelines reach their flow capacities, or when
they approach the end of their useful life. Pipelines in the public wastewater collection system
are inspected using specialized video equipment that will prioritize periodic cleaning
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frequencies or recommend a complete replacement. Based on the assessment, this project is
needed for the replacement of sewer mains dating back to 1910 that make up potions of the
backbone system serving essential facilities along Johnson Avenue. The project will be
coordinate with the efforts being made by the hospital’s infrastructure improvements along Iris
Road and the railroad crossing to ensure design capacities are adequate for current and future
needs. Additional funding is requested for the existing appropriation to cover cost escalations
experienced with providing labor, equipment, and materials for the construction of a new sewer
main.
Taft, Hathaway, Phillips, Buena Vista Pipe Replacement (CIP 1000539)
The City’s wastewater collection system includes approximately 140 miles of sewer mains.
Some pipes are over 100 years old and are undersized to handle the current flow rates.
Maintenance needs increase dramatically as pipelines reach their flow capacities, or when
they approach the end of their useful life. Pipelines in the public wastewater collection system
are inspected using specialized video equipment that will prioritize periodic cleaning
frequencies or recommend a complete replacement. Based on the assessment, this project is
needed for the replacement of sewer mains dating back to 1955 that make up potions of the
backbone system crossing Highway 101 and have shown high infiltration flows rates during
major storm events.
San Jose, Ramona, Monte Vista, California Pipeline Replacement (CIP 1000571)
The City’s wastewater collection system includes approximately 140 miles of sewer mains.
Some pipes are over 100 years old and are undersized to handle the current flow rates.
Maintenance needs increase dramatically as pipelines reach their flow capacities, or when
they approach the end of their useful life. Pipelines in the public wastewater collection system
are inspected using specialized video equipment that will prioritize periodic cleaning
frequencies or recommend a complete replacement. Based on the assessment, this project is
needed for the replacement of sewer mains dating back to 1958 that require high cleaning
frequencies, have experienced structural failures due to root intrusions, and have shown high
infiltration flows rates during major storm events.
Or at Chorro Creek:
The City’s wastewater collection system includes approximately 140 miles of sewer pipelines
with some portions of the system being older than 100-years. The older areas of the
wastewater collection system are near the end of their useful life and have been prioritized
based on need as recorded by field inspections. The objective of this project is to replace
sewer pipeline along Chorro from Palm to Monterey Street. The existing ductile iron pipe
crossing the creek experienced a corrosion problem and is need of replacement as a high
priority project since the sewer system serves key components of the downtown area. The
new pipeline will meet City Engineering Standards and will provide resiliency in the wastewater
collection system against corrosion problems normally encountered near the creek.
Sewer-main Replacements: Morro, Mill, Santa Rosa, and Chorro (CIP 1000561)
The City’s wastewater collection system includes approximately 140 miles of sewer mains.
Some pipes are over 100 years old and are undersized to handle the current flow rates.
Maintenance needs increase dramatically as pipelines reach their flow capacities, or when
they approach the end of their useful life. Pipelines in the public wastewater collection system
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are inspected using specialized video equipment that will prioritize periodic cleaning
frequencies or recommend a complete replacement. Based on the assessment, this project is
needed for the replacement of sewer mains dating back to 1948 that require high cleaning
frequencies, have experienced structural failures due to root intrusions, and have shown high
infiltration flows rates during major storm events. Additional funding is requested for the
existing appropriation to cover cost escalations experienced with providing labor, equipment,
and materials for the construction this high priority project.
Sewer-main Replacements: Foothill and Santa Rosa (Caltrans) (CIP XXXXXXX)
The objective of this project is to replace existing clay pipes from 1965 with a new 8-inch sewer
main serving areas that are along the Caltrans right-of-way. A co-operative agreement
between the City and Caltrans will outline the improvements needed for the Foothill and Santa
Rosa Intersection, but as a separate project, the sewer main at the intersection will need to
get lowered to accommodate the proposed Caltrans drainage improvements. The sewer-main
replacement will reduce maintenance, inflow, and infiltration that have previously been
recorded in this catchment area, and it will replace an existing maintenance-hole with evidence
of severe deterioration.
Sewer-main Replacements: Oceanaire – Cayucos to Froom Road (CIP XXXXXX)
During the 2023 and 2024 storms, severe erosion was observed along Prefumo Creek, near
Oceanaire Street, and across the alignment of an existing 15-inch sewer main crossing the
creek. This project is needed for the replacement of a clay sewer pipe dating back to 1958 that
require high cleaning frequencies along backyard easements, have experienced structural
failures due to root intrusions, and have shown high infiltration flows rates during major storm
events. The project will include a new creek crossing at a new location not susceptible to creek
flows or erosion and eliminate the need to cross behind residential parcels by constructing the
new sewer main along the recently completed road and bridge on Froom Road south of
Oceanaire.
Bee Bee – South Street to Sandercock Pipeline Replacement (CIP 2001038)
The City’s wastewater collection system includes approximately 148 miles of sewer mains.
Some pipes are over 100 years old and are undersized to handle the current flow rates.
Maintenance needs increase dramatically as pipelines reach their flow capacities, or when
they approach the end of their useful life. Pipelines in the public wastewater collection system
are inspected using specialized video equipment that will prioritize periodic cleaning
frequencies or recommend a complete replacement. Based on the assessment, this project is
needed for the replacement of sewer mains dating back to 1927 that require high cleaning
frequencies, have experienced structural failures due to root intrusions, and have shown high
infiltration flows rates during major storm events.
Chorro - Boysen to Rougeot Pipeline Replacement (CIP 2001042)
The 2015 Wastewater Infrastructure Renewal Strategy (IRS or masterplan) identified sewer
service areas with capacity constraints from stormwater infiltrations into the sewer system.
One of the capacity constrained areas (Area A) is located north of Foothill and west of Chorro
and is currently undergoing sewer main improvements to remove existing clay sewer pipes
with new fused plastic pipes using high density polyethylene (HDPE). Other on-going
improvements to reduce capacity constraints include replacement of sewer laterals through
lateral rebate programs or as triggered by building permit submittals. Additionally, the
collaboration with the 790 Foothill development identified the opportunity to improve the
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conditions in Area A by transferring the sewer serving the project site and adjacent parcels
from Area A to the Area C sewer pipe network, which has available capacity. The proposed
pipeline replacement project will expand on this initial point repair completed by the
development and replace the existing 6-inch sewer main along Chorro Street with a larger pipe
from Highland to Meinecke.