February 4, 2025. The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) has awarded a $121-million fixed price design-build contract for the Southeast Treatment Plant Biogas Utilization Project to PCL Construction, Inc., an industry leader in water and wastewater infrastructure construction. Stantec, a global leader in sustainable design and engineering, is partnering with PCL as the lead designer.
The Biogas Utilization Project will treat the biogas generated in the new digesters to renewable natural gas (RNG) quality for injection into the nearby Pacific Gas and Electric gas pipeline. This will provide a sustainable, reliable solution for the biogas generated at San Francisco’s largest wastewater facility.
The Southeast Treatment Plant treats an average of 57 million gallons of wastewater per day. When the project is complete, biogas, a natural byproduct of the wastewater treatment process, will be captured, conditioned, and upgraded to renewable natural gas through the newly designed facilities. The system consists of state-of-the-art gas conditioning and separation processes, which will prepare the renewable natural gas for injection into the existing gas pipeline, helping to reduce emissions and support renewable energy goals. The project will provide 100% beneficial use of the biogas generated at the Southeast Treatment Plant.
“We’re excited once again to collaborate with the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission and Stantec on a project that not only advances sustainability but also delivers long-term value to the community,” said Richard Hewitt, Vice President and District Manager for PCL’s Civil Infrastructure Division.
“We are pleased to partner with the PCL-Stantec team to deliver the Biogas Utilization Project for San Francisco,” said Daniela Brandao, SFPUC Senior Project Manager. “This project will upgrade the biogas generated at the Southeast Treatment Plant to renewable natural gas for pipeline injection. It also supports California’s goals for in-state production and distribution of renewable natural gas and aligns with San Francisco’s sustainability objectives. We are looking forward to the positive impact this project will have on our community and the environment.”