On March 23, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) met with neighbors regarding the Sunset Reservoir upgrade projects.  The community briefing was held at Abraham Lincoln High School.  Following is a review of some topics that were raised as well as landscape plans that were presented.

Following the landscaping of the Sunset Slope parkland along Ortega Street this spring, another SFPUC contractor will commence work to seismically retrofit the reservoir's north basin.  The next phase of the project is expected to begin in late Summer 2006.

Project Manager David Quinones explained that the wet weather had interrupted the first phase of the project after setting a very aggressive pace throughout the fall.  "The rain impedes the contractor in many ways creating safety concerns with crews working on the wet, slippery slopes with heavy equipment and the challenge of achieving the required level of compaction in this weather," he noted.

Quinones expects the slope landscaping to be finished this summer rather than late spring given the rain delay.

The next phase of the Sunset Reservoir upgrade will seismically reinforce the roof, restore columns and beams, and address other rim and drainage improvements.  This work is estimated to take approximately 24 months through Summer 2008.

"The good news, says Quinones, is that this phase of improvements will not require any heavy earth moving equipment.  In fact, the majority of the work will be contained inside of the water storage basin, out of sight and sound."

Work hours for the next phase will be weekdays 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., unless otherwise specified and approved.   Equipment servicing will occur on occasional Saturdays 9 a.m. to noon. 

Residents can be assured that water quality and service will be maintained throughout construction.

The Sunset Reservoir was built in 1938 and is an integral part of San Francisco's water storage and distribution system. A second basin was added in the 1950s.  Sunset Reservoir provides high quality drinking water to many homes and businesses throughout the city as well as critical fire fighting water supply to the Sunset district.

Following the Loma Prieta earthquake of 1989, the California Division of Safety of Dams began a review of all California dams.   In response to this, the SFPUC commenced studies to verify the stability of the Sunset Reservoir basin and the supporting embankment. 

The Sunset Reservoir Upgrade project is one of dozens of Water System Improvement Program (WSIP) projects approved by voters in November 2002 to repair, replace and seismically upgrade the Hetch Hetchy water system. 

A Glimpse at What's To Come
A new, higher security vinyl mesh fence will replace the current fencing around the reservoir. The plans attached highlight some of the features of the improved landscaping around the reservoir.  The fencing alignment was altered extensively to avoid removing mature trees.  Neighbors can expect pruning and replacement of vegetation as well as the removal of some older and diseased Monterey cypress and pines.   Drought tolerant Mediterranean screening shrubs, new ornamental trees and lawn cover will be added.

Other Topics Brought to the SFPUC's Attention at the March 23 Meeting

Sand and silt runoff:  The project resident engineer and inspector are monitoring the situation closely during the rain, and directing the contractor to clean up around the catch basin as often as possible.

Street conditions:  Department of Public Works oversees the streets and repairs potholes.  However, if damage to pavement or sidewalk is the result of any of our contractors, they will be asked to make repairs.

Trucks parked on street:  Flatbeds with large pipes for the SFPUC's Lincoln Way project are parked at various spots around the reservoir.  We expect this pipe to be installed by summer.   For the next phase, some trucks will be parked on the street but not throughout Phase II.

Green fabric mesh on fencing:  The resident engineer has been instructed to secure the detached fabric flapping in the wind.

Fencing:  This vinyl mesh fence will be 10 feet high and have a clearance of  10 feet both in front and in back as well as overhead to prevent any one from climbing over the fence onto the reservoir grounds.

Added security:  At this time, we are not certain what types of electronic security may be installed on site.

No street lights will be added around the reservoir grounds.

New slope pathways will be asphalt and ADA accessible.

Privet hedge near 28th Avenue will be protected when the fencing is replaced.  

Illegal Dumping Not Necessary
Sunset Scavenger Provides Two Free Pick-ups Annually
Several neighbors at the March 23 meeting complained about illegal dumping at the site.  This has become an increasingly difficult issue for the SFPUC's contractor as well. 

The project team asked neighbors who might witness dumping or hear about it to call in car license numbers or other information to the Department of Public Works hotline:  28-Clean or 282-5326.  This line will also send crews to pick-up items that have been dumped, but they are committed to tackling this problem by citing or prosecuting those who dump trash in neighborhoods illegally.  

Remember, all property owners are eligible for up to two free pick-ups of old furniture, appliances or other items each year by Sunset Scavenger.  

Leashes & Litter
Neighbors were very concerned about dogs running rampant and their owners not cleaning up after them adequately.  Some feared that the new landscaping would be ruined.  Others talked about the overall need for neighbors to pick-up litter and maintain the slope grounds as welcoming parkland.

The Sunset Slope parkland covers very large water storage basins.  The water in these basins go directly to taps in your homes and businesses.  The SFPUC encourages neighbors to keep this area clean so that we can do the best job possible of keeping your water pure.

Information & Questions  Let us hear from you if you have questions or suggestions for making this project more neighbor- friendly.   Please contact 415-554-3297 or mbarry@sfwater.org.

After Hours or Weekends or if you observe any unusual activity around the reservoir, contact 415-550-4956.