DATE: APRIL 22, 2025
DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC WORKS, WASTEWATER DIVISION
FROM: DAVID JACOBS, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
BY: GARY GABRIEL, WASTEWATER MANAGER
TITLE: SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN (SSMP)
SANITARY SEWER COLLECTION SYSTEM
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
A motion to accept and certify the attached Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) for the Sanitary Sewer Collection System as required by the State Water Resources Control Board.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The SSMP is a document that describes the activities that the City uses to manage its sanitary sewer wastewater collection system effectively. The intent of the SSMP, as required by the Waste Discharge Requirements (WDR), is to implement a formalized criteria and procedure for design and construction, rehabilitation, operation, and maintenance of the City’s sanitary sewer wastewater collection system.
BACKGROUND:
On December 6, 2022, pursuant to its authority under California Water Code 13263, the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) adopted the Statewide Waste Discharge Requirements General Order for Sanitary Sewer Systems (Order No. 2022-0103).
The intent of the Statewide Waste Discharge Requirements General Order for Sanitary Sewer Systems (“General Order”) is to protect the water quality in the State and prevent public nuisance associated with sanitary sewer overflows (spills) and to provide a consistent, statewide regulatory approach to address sanitary sewer overflows (spills). The General Order requires public agencies that own or operate sanitary sewer systems to develop and implement sanitary sewer system management plans and report all sanitary sewer spills to the State Water Board’s online California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) Sanitary Sewer System Database.
On January 13, 2024, the City contracted with Wallace Group to perform the Sanitary Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) update at a cost of 19, 070. The SSMP includes 11 elements of regulatory goals that the City follows to comply with state regulations. The 11 elements include:
Goals, Regulatory Context, Asset Overview and Schedule
Organization
Legal Authority – for ensuring compliance
Operation and Maintenance Program
Design and Performance Provisions
Spill Emergency Response Plan
Pipe Blockage Control Program
System Evaluation, Capacity Assurance and Capital Improvement Plan Monitoring, Measurement, and Program Modifications
Sewer System Management Plan Program Audits
Communication Program
The SSMP update was satisfactorily completed by Wallace Group and City Staff on March 28, 2025, and is ready to be submitted to the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). The Sanitary Sewer System Management Plan update includes revisions to the City’s current SSMP to comply with reporting requirements to the State. Updates included are to Element 6, Spill Emergency Response Plan, an addition of a spill category 4 which is for spills under 50 gallons. Element 7, Pipe Blockage Control Program, previously referenced Fats, Oils, and Grease as contributing factors to sewer spills now also includes roots and disposable wipes as additional pipe blocking sources. Element 10, Sewer System Management Plan Program Audits, prior version had a 5-year plan renewal date is now a 6-year plan renewal date. Also under this element, audits were previously 2-year reviews and are now 3-year reviews.
CEQA CONSIDERATION:
Not a Project. The City of Salinas has determined that the proposed action is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378).
CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES:
No
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
The requested Council action directly relates to Council’s Strategic Plans or Goals of providing “Well Planned City and Excellent Infrastructure” as well as “Safe, Livable Community”. By adopting the Sewer System Management Plan. The City will continue to maintain all aspects of the Sanitary Sewer Collection System reducing the risk of potential accidental discharges.
DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION:
The Wastewater Division in conjunction with Public Works’ Engineering Division utilized Wallace Group to update the current SSMP to meet Regulation Standards. Both Divisions reviewed and approved of the updated SSMP.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
Fund
Appropriation
Appropriation
Name
Total Appropriation
Amount for recommendation
FY 24-25 Operating Budget Page
Last Budget Action (Date, Resolution)*
6400
50.5442-63.5900
Outside services-Other professional
$60,000
$19,070
379
6/11/24, 22979
* The FY 24-25 Adopted Budget was adopted on June 11, 2024.
Sufficient funding has been secured from the operating budget to perform the required update to the SSMP.
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution
SSMP Plan and Related Attachments
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