Digesters at the Southeast Treatment Plant in San Francisco

The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) has awarded a US$121-M 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 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. Biogas is a natural byproduct of the wastewater treatment process. When this project is complete, biogas 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 percent 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.”

The Southeast Treatment Plant has been at the heart of San Francisco’s wastewater management for over 70 years, operating 24/7 to protect the environment and public health. It is the City’s largest wastewater treatment facility, handling about 80 percent of San Francisco’s combined stormwater and wastewater. This project is part of the SFPUC’s generational investment in upgrading the plant’s infrastructure to continue its vital role in the community.

“As designers, we are eager to see this project make a difference in this underserved community,” said Billy Wong, regional growth leader at Stantec and design manager for the PCL/Stantec Team. “We are committed to communicating with the public so they understand these benefits and how they will help the surrounding neighborhoods.”

Stantec has begun the full-scale design of the facility. PCL is scheduled to complete construction of the project in early 2027.

About Stantec

Stantec empowers clients, people, and communities to rise to the world’s greatest challenges at a time when the world faces more unprecedented concerns than ever before.?

We are a global leader in sustainable architecture, engineering, and environmental consulting. ?Our professionals deliver the expertise, technology, and innovation communities need to manage aging infrastructure, demographic and population changes, the energy transition, and more. ?

Today’s communities transcend geographic borders. At Stantec, community means everyone with an interest in the work that we do—from our project teams and industry colleagues to our clients and the people our work impacts. The diverse perspectives of our partners and interested parties drive us to think beyond what’s previously been done on critical issues like climate change, digital transformation, and future-proofing our cities and infrastructure. ?

We are designers, engineers, scientists, project managers, and strategic advisors. We innovate at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships to advance communities everywhere, so that together we can redefine what’s possible.

Stantec trades on the TSX and the NYSE under the symbol STN.

About PCL

PCL is a group of independent construction companies that operates throughout the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, and Australia. As one of the largest contracting organizations in North America, PCL completes more than $7B USD in work annually, building projects that shape communities. The company’s 100% employee ownership model fuels a culture of commitment for clients in the buildings, civil infrastructure, heavy industrial and solar markets. With a strategic presence in more than 30 major centers, PCL’s leadership teams consistently drive innovation and set new benchmarks for excellence, bringing unparalleled skill to every project.

About San Francisco Public Utilities Commission

The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) is a department of the City and County of San Francisco. We deliver drinking water to 2.7 million people in the San Francisco Bay Area, collect and treat wastewater for the City and County of San Francisco, and meet more than 75% of the electricity demand in San Francisco. Our mission is to provide our customers with high quality, efficient and reliable water, power, and sewer services in a manner that values environmental and community interests, and sustains the resources entrusted to our care.