Construction on the Oro Loma Sanitary District Wastewater Treatment Plant Capacity Restoration Project began July 19, 2004. The historic $34 million project is scheduled to be completed on April 15, 2007, a period of 1,000 days. The project is funded entirely by Oro Loma through cash reserves accumulated over years of sound fiscal planning.
Significant progress has already been made on several aspects of the project.

Bar Screen

As wastewater flows down a main channel to the plant, it passes through a screen that removes large objects that could damage the plant's pumps and other equipment. Oro Loma now has one screen. As part of the restoration project, a second channel and screen will be added. Excavation for that channel is now complete.

Chemically Enhanced Primary Treatment (CEPT)

Primary treatment of wastewater involves a process in which solids are allowed to settle out of the wastewater stream.

Oro Loma is adding a procedure to help hasten the process. The CEPT process involves the injection of ferric chloride into the incoming wastewater stream. The chemical creates a gelatin-like substance that helps the settling of solids. The foundation and walls of the CEPT facility are completed and the chemical tanks are in place.

Digester Heating Building

Sludge from wastewater treatment is broken down in a series of biological processes. Sludge from the wastewater process is collected and sent to the digesters where an anerobic environment futher breaks down the sludge. Sludge in the digester must be kept at 98.6° for 20 days. A new digester heating building will house a modern boiler system that is easier to service and is more efficient in maintaining a constant temperature during winter months. The structure for the building is now complete and the boiler is in place.

Pile Driving

Since the Oro Loma wastewater treatment facility is built on the shore of San Francisco Bay, care must be taken to ensure the stability of any new construction. To accomplish this, 1,100 friction piles will be driven into the soil. These piles, which will be driven to a depth of between 40 and 60 feet, will support the boiler building, the three new clarifiers, and two new pump stations. Pile driving began on November 8 and will continue for two to three months.