Agenda Item Wording:
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Approve and Adopt the 2025 Sewer System Management Plan - Approve and adopt the 2025 Sewer System Management Plan in compliance with State Water Resources Control Board Order.
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Prepared by:
Ben Litwack, Public Works Manager, ben.litwack@visalia.gov, (559) 713-4671
Nick Bartsch, Public Works Director, nick.bartsch@visalia.gov, (559 713-4052
Department Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council approve and adopt the updated Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) to maintain compliance with State and Regional Water Board requirements.
Summary:
The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) requires all public agencies that own or operate sanitary sewer collection systems to prepare and maintain a Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) under the Statewide General Waste Discharge Requirements for Sanitary Sewer Systems, Order No. 2022-0103-DWQ.
The SSMP provides a comprehensive plan for the proper management, operation, maintenance, and capacity assurance of the City’s wastewater collection system to reduce the risk of sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) and to protect public health and the environment.
The updated SSMP replaces the version previously adopted under Order No. 2006-0003-DWQ and brings the City into compliance with the revised 2022 General Order.
Background Discussion:
The City of Visalia owns and operates a wastewater collection system consisting of approximately 493 miles of gravity sewer pipelines, 13 lift stations, and associated force mains conveying wastewater to the Visalia Water Reclamation Facility.
Under Order No. 2022-0103-DWQ, the State Water Board requires that all enrollees update their SSMPs to align with the updated regulatory requirements outlined in Attachment D - Sewer System Management Plan Required Elements.
Public Works staff completed an internal audit and comprehensive update of the SSMP in 2025. The updated document includes new and revised elements addressing:
• System evaluation, condition assessment, and climate resiliency;
• Spill Emergency Response Plan (SERP) procedures;
• Adaptive management and program effectiveness monitoring; and
• Expanded communication requirements with the public and connected systems.
Approval and adoption of the 2025 SSMP will maintain the City’s compliance with State and Regional Water Board requirements and ensure continued eligibility for State grant and funding programs.
Fiscal Impact: There is no direct fiscal impact associated with approval and adoption of the SSMP. Implementation of SSMP activities is funded through the Wastewater Fund (431) within existing operations and Capital Improvement Program budgets.
Prior Council Action:
August 20, 2012 - Council approved and adopted Sewer System Maintenance Plan
Other: N/A
Alternatives: N/A
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
I move to approve and adopt the City of Visalia 2025 Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) in compliance with State Water Resources Control Board Order No. 2022-0103-DWQ.
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Deadline for Action: 11/17/2025
Attachments: 2025 Sewer System Management Plan