DATE: August 18, 2025
TO: President and Members of the Estero Municipal Improvement District (EMID) Board of Directors
VIA: Stefan Chatwin, District Manager
Marlene Subhashini, Assistant District Manager
FROM: Andrew Brozyna, Public Works Director
Zaheed Danish, Public Works Maintenance Manager
Frank Schoening, Public Works Superintendent
DEPARTMENT: Public Works
SUBJECT: REVISION OF THE EMID SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT
PLAN PER REQUIREMENTS OF THE STATE WATER
RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Estero Municipal Improvement District (EMID) Board of Directors adopt the attached resolution approving the revised EMID Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP), as required by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) 2022 General Waste Discharge Requirements, Order No. WQ 2022-0103- DWQ for Sanitary Sewer Systems; and finding the approval exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines sections 15061(b)(3) and 15301.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
As required by the SWRCB, the Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP), last approved by the EMID Board in 2017, needs to be updated periodically in order to ensure its contents stay relevant. The 2025 SSMP has been revised to comply with industry standard guidelines and incorporates EMID’s latest SSMP Audit findings. The SSMP is available on the City’s website: Wastewater Management Plan | Foster City California
The 2025 SSMP is a declaration of what EMID is doing to demonstrate full compliance with the Statewide General Waste Discharge Requirements and effectively manage its sanitary sewer system.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS
On May 2, 2006, the SWRCB adopted the Statewide General Waste Discharge Requirements for all publicly-owned sanitary sewer collection systems in California with more than one (1) mile of sewer pipe. The Statewide General Waste Discharge Requirements require all agencies, meeting the above criteria, to develop and approve their own SSMP. EMID maintains approximately sixty-six (66) miles of gravity sewer pipes and, therefore, developed a SSMP that was first approved by the EMID Board on January 5, 2009, and subsequently an updated plan was approved on April 3, 2017.
The SSMP is required to be updated periodically and 2025 SSMP has been reviewed and revised and is brought forth for EMID Board approval. An internal audit conducted in 2025 identified several improvements and recommendations. Among the key recommendations, operational improvements include resuming and enhancing the CCTV condition assessment program and increasing outreach on the proper disposal of fats, oils, and grease (FOG) to reduce impacts on the sewer system. Appendix 10.2 (Attachment 3) of the 2025 SSMP includes an actionable timeline for recommended improvements as identified in the audit. Staff have either completed or plan to complete the tasks as outlined in in Appendix 10.2 to ensure full alignment with program goals and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Several recommendations have already been implemented. To improve coordination and communication, staff has scheduled monthly and biannual meetings between internal divisions and San Mateo County agencies. Contact information has been updated within the state reporting system, and training opportunities for maintenance staff have been expanded. The most recent annual Spill Emergency Response Plan (SERP) training was conducted on August 12.
As noted in the SSMP, EMID consistently performs better than both the statewide and regional spill rate indices and net spill volumes for all categories of spills from its sanitary sewer collection system.
In addition to strengthening regulatory compliance, the recommended changes will enhance EMID’s ability to detect system issues early through improved inspections, ultimately helping to prevent costly emergency repairs.
Once approved, staff will continue to have a working, written plan to assist in proactively, systematically, and resourcefully managing the wastewater collection system, facilities, and other infrastructure.
CEQA
The resolution approving the revised 2025 SSMP qualifies for CEQA’s common sense exemption, as CEQA applies only to projects with potential significant environmental impact. Since this activity poses no significant environmental effect, it is not subject to CEQA (CEQA Guideline Section 15061(b)(3)), and the Existing Facilities (15301) exemption, which allows for the operation and maintenance of existing public facilities with negligible or no expansion of use.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this item.
CITY COUNCIL VISION, MISSION, AND VALUE/PRIORITY AREA
Facilities and Infrastructure
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1 – Resolution
Attachment 2 – Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP)
Attachment 3 – Appendix 10.2