Oro Loma Reports on the Health of Its Sewer Infrastructure

SAN LORENZO, Calif., Feb. 4, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- A staff presentation at Tuesday's Oro Loma Sanitary District (OLSD) board meeting conveyed that the District's infrastructure is in good shape and getting better every day.

Maintaining the sewer infrastructure involves a balance between ongoing maintenance and inspection with repair and replacement of sewer pipes, 67% of which are older than 50 years. Staff reported that the District has inspected its entire sewer system, scored every pipe based upon its condition, and has ranked all pipes for timing of repair or replacement. Out of 272 miles of pipe, 17 miles (6.25%) have been identified as needing replacement within the next 10 years.  The current pace for pipe replacement is 2.5 miles per year.  Staff reported that the existing pace of renewal and budget funding is adequate to maintain the existing high performance level.

A 2014 survey found that a majority of OLSD customers said they were "very satisfied" with their sewer service.  The survey also asked customers what they felt should be the District's highest priority. They answered, "Management of the system's infrastructure." Management of that system is exactly where Oro Loma has been investing funds.  For each dollar in rates, Oro Loma allocates 30-40% back into renewal of the collection system.

"It is gratifying to see that our focus on infrastructure renewal is aligned with the public's wishes," said Jason Warner, OLSD General Manager. "We're proud they have recognized our innovative and sustainable approach to infrastructure management, which allows us to provide customers with high value, high quality service."

News of customer approval comes on the heels of a recent report compiled by the Bay Area Clean Water Agencies. The report ranked Oro Loma first in both the fewest number of spills and the lowest volume of spills per mile of collection system operated in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Oro Loma Sanitary District provides sewer collection and treatment and refuse and recycling services for the communities of San Lorenzo, Cherryland, Ashland, Fairview, portions of Castro Valley and Hayward, and 40% of the San Leandro through a network of over 272 miles of pipes.

SOURCE Oro Loma Sanitary District