The project will modernise a major treatment facility and reduce nitrogen discharge into San Francisco Bay.
San Francisco's Southeast Treatment Plant is preparing for a major upgrade to improve wastewater treatment and protect the surrounding marine environment.
Engineering firm Jacobs has announced that its joint venture with PCL Construction was selected by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) to deliver the $1 billion Nutrient Reduction Project through a progressive design-build arrangement.
The Southeast Treatment Plant handles nearly 80% of San Francisco's wastewater, making it the city's largest wastewater treatment facility.
Improving Water Quality While Maintaining Operations
The planned improvements will introduce advanced treatment processes to reduce nutrients, particularly total inorganic nitrogen, discharged into San Francisco Bay.
Excessive nutrient concentrations can contribute to environmental problems in receiving waters, making their reduction an important part of wastewater management.
One of the project's central challenges is that construction and modernisation must take place while the existing treatment plant continues operating.
This requires careful planning of construction sequences, process modifications and connections to existing infrastructure without unnecessarily disrupting essential treatment services.
The project will also need to meet updated environmental requirements while maintaining reliable wastewater operations.
For environmental and civil engineers, the development demonstrates the complexity of upgrading ageing public infrastructure while keeping critical facilities functional.
The selection of Jacobs and PCL establishes the project delivery team. The announcement does not specify a confirmed construction completion date.
