TO: ADAM PIRRIE, CITY MANAGER
FROM: JEREMY SWAN, COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR
DATE: JULY 22, 2025
Reviewed by:
City Manager: AP
SUBJECT:
Title
SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE (FUNDING SOURCE: SEWER FUND)
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SUMMARY
In May 2006, the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) adopted the Statewide General Waste Discharge Requirements and Monitoring and Reporting Program (WDR), which included a series of regulations for publicly-owned sewer systems greater than one mile long. The State-imposed regulations were developed in response to water quality concerns associated with storm conveyance systems. More specifically, the new requirements were intended to minimize the potential for sewage spills to enter storm drain systems, negatively affecting water quality in streams and ultimately the ocean.
In 2023, the SWRCB issued an updated order updating the WDR requirements. The WDR requires electronic reporting of sewer overflows through an online system and adoption of a Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP), which must be updated every six years. The WDR established that the City of Claremont’s update is due in August 2025 and every six years thereafter. The goal of the SSMP is to ensure that the sewer system is properly maintained and managed to reduce the frequency and severity of sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) and their potential impact on public health, water quality, and the environment.
The most recent SSMP was adopted by the City Council in 2015 and updated in 2020. Staff has prepared the required update for the City Council’s consideration and approval. The update includes an updated spill emergency response plan, minor staffing updates, and updates on the City’s five-year Sewer Rehabilitation Capital Improvement Project (CIP).
RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommends the City Council review and approve the Sewer System Management Plan.
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ALTERNATIVES TO RECOMMENDATION
In addition to the recommendation, there are the following alternatives:
A. Request changes to the proposed Sewer System Management Plan
B. Request more information from staff.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The total annual budget for sewer system operation, maintenance, administration, and capital repairs for 2025-26 is $1,631,756. On June 10, 2025, the City Council approved awarding a contract to B&D Construction Co., Inc. in the amount of $599,353 to conduct a Citywide Sewer Cleaning and Condition Assessment. The condition assessment will guide future capital improvements to the City’s sewer system. The protocols and capital improvements outlined in the SSMP are included within the Sewer Fund Operating and CIP budgets.
The staff cost to prepare this report and administer this program is estimated at $7,900 and is included in the operating budget of the Community Services Department.
ANALYSIS
The City of Claremont’s sanitary sewer system consists of 122 miles of gravity sewer lines and approximately 2,700 manholes and/or clean-outs. Sewage from the City’s sewer system flows to trunk lines located on Towne, Garey, and Mountain Avenues, which are owned by the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County, District 21. The waste is ultimately treated at a Sanitation District reclamation facility in Pomona for non-potable reuse.
The municipal system is managed and operated by the Community Services and Community Development Departments. Community Services is responsible for overall maintenance and operation of the City’s sanitary sewer collection system, while Community Development is responsible for the overall design and capacity of the system. Collectively, staff operates the sewer collection system; evaluates proposed and existing sewer facilities; performs preventative maintenance; and oversees the repair, replacement, or expansion of the system mains.
To develop a consistent Statewide approach for reducing SSOs, the SWRCB adopted waste discharge regulations out of growing concern about water quality impacts associated with sewage spills. The goal of the regulations, and the requirement that each agency prepare an SSMP, is to protect public health and the environment and to improve water quality by enhancing the overall management, maintenance, and operation of publicly-operated wastewater systems.
Attached for the City Council’s consideration and approval is an update to the City’s SSMP, consistent with regulatory requirements. This plan includes information regarding organizational structure for management and maintenance of the system, best practices for inspection and evaluation of the system, and SSO response and reporting procedures.
RELATIONSHIP TO CITY PLANNING DOCUMENTS
Staff has evaluated the agenda item in relationship to the City’s strategic and visioning documents and finds that it applies to the following City Planning Documents: Council Priorities, Sustainable City Plan, Economic Sustainability Plan, General Plan, and the 2024-26 Budget.
CEQA REVIEW
This item is not subject to environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
The agenda and staff report for this item have been posted on the City website and distributed to interested parties. If you desire a copy, please contact the City Clerk’s Office.
Submitted by: Prepared by:
Jeremy Swan Kristin Mikula
Community Services Director Community Services Manager
Attachment:
Sewer System Management Plan