Sending Biosolids to the Marketplace, Not the Landfill
Biosolids are the nutrient-rich organic material that results from the biological and
physical treatment of wastewater. Today, half of the biosolids produced at San Francisco’s
Oceanside Treatment Plant are sent to landfills for reuse as soil cover. To expand reuse
opportunities, the SFPUC is initiating a partnership with Tacoma Targo and the University
of Washington to assess the feasibility of producing high quality soil amendments
suitable for use in landscaping, construction projects, and soil replenishment. Recycling
urban organics such as biosolids back to soil can improve soil health and increase water
holding capacity and carbon sequestration. This OneWaterSF Initiative showcases
how partnerships between the SFPUC and academia can create environmentally and
financially sustainable markets for currently underutilized urban waste streams.
Biosolids Product Development and Market Research
Realizing the Water Supply Benefits of
Daylighting a Historic Creek
The SFPUC, in partnership with the community and San Francisco Recreation and Parks
Department, is working to daylight the historic Yosemite Creek, which begins at Yosemite
Marsh on the northeast side of McLaren Park and flows directly into the combined sewer
system. The new creek bed will drain over 100 acres of McLaren Park and create new
green space and native habitat for birds and butterflies. The project will showcase
new technologies to capture and treat stormwater for non-potable reuse, offsetting
almost a million gallons of irrigation demand each year. Also included in this Initiative
is an assessment of potential adjacent non-potable reuse opportunities that could be
integrated into the project. This OneWaterSF Initiative will showcase how collaboration
between the SFPUC, our communities, and other city agencies can result in projects that
provide multiple benefits across resource areas.
Project
Yosemite Creek Daylighting Project
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