Construction Details at a Glance

To accomplish the critically needed treatment upgrades, the District is:

• Consolidating treatment facilities in a new and larger Novato plant
• Converting the Ignacio plant into a pump station
• Diverting flows entering the Ignacio pump station through a new pipeline to the Novato Plant.

This is the most cost-effective approach. Cost is $90 million.

Benefits of Upgrading Treatment Facilities

Customers of Novato Sanitary District will receive direct and indirect benefits from the upgrade project:

• Meets long-term, cost-effective wastewater treatment requirements
• Better protection for the environment
• Improved safety of public health
• More efficient use of energy
• Larger, more efficient plant
• Funding assisted by low-cost state loans
• Provides upgrade path for increased recycled water production.

Treatment Plant Improvements

After thorough technical studies by an independent engineering company, Novato Sanitary District has identified the following needed improvements:

• Replaces most 1950s and 1970s-era equipment
• Reuses 1980s-era equipment wherever cost-effective
• Upgrades treatment processes to meet current water quality requirements
• Adds backup equipment for redundancy
• Eliminates worker safety hazards
• Improves operational efficiency, decreases electrical power needs
• Increases use of methane gas derived from the treatment process to generate electricity
• Adds capacity that permits the transfer of remaining septic systems to District service, and to meet needs called for in City and County general plans.

This map shows the route of a new 16-inch pipeline. The pipeline route from the Ignacio Pump Station crosses under Highway 37, runs behind the Vintage Oaks Shopping Center, behind the theaters, and under the recreational trail behind the Novato Community Hospital, where it will connect to the existing pipeline that runs to the Novato Wastewater Treatment Plant. The recreational trail will be closed between Franklin Avenue and Novato Creek for about 90 days.

Construction Impacts Minimized

Construction will primarily impact the area around the Novato Treatment Plant, where there will be heavy construction and grading, as well as truck traffic along Davidson Street carrying concrete, plant equipment and excavated soil to and from the construction site.

Much of the pipeline work will be in remote areas, and thus will have little impact on the community. About 2,900 feet of the pipeline will be installed along Rowland Boulevard behind the Vintage Oaks Shopping Center. Although traffic lanes shifting will be required in this area, two-way traffic will be maintained. Where the pipeline crosses Novato Creek, it will be installed using underground drilling so that there is no disturbance to the ground surface or the creek.

To minimize inconveniences to the public the District is following strict construction guidelines:

• Work will be done primarily on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Dust, noise and erosion controls will be in force.
• Construction areas will be returned to their original or better appearance after work is completed.
• Motorists will be provided at least one lane of traffic through construction areas, expect in unusual circumstances.
• No driveway or private road will be blocked without notice to the property owner. Access will be restored during non-working hours.
• Staging areas and hauling routes will be designed to minimize impacts.
• Tree and shrub removal or damage will be avoided.

Neighborhood Construction Liaison

The District has designated its construction manager, Steve Wrightson, as Neighborhood Construction Liaison. Steve is responsible for keeping the public informed, responding promptly to questions, and working quickly to resolve any issues that may arise. Steve can be reached by calling (415) 892-1694.