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The basis of the approved, three-year rate plan was the need to generate approximately $80 million in additional annual revenue from SRCSD customer rates over the next three years to pay for the following:
- Special studies and pollution prevention plans, as required by the new Discharge Permit
- Pilot studies and design of treatment processes, required by the new Discharge Permit
- Increased operation and maintenance costs and debt coverage on existing treatment system
The new Discharge Permit requires SRCSD to construct and maintain new facilities at the Sacramento Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant to provide the below advanced treatment capabilities. The technologies will be refined as more detailed studies, pilot testing and design work occurs. In order to fund construction of these significant new treatment processes, customer rates will need to increase significantly over the next 10 years.
Nitrification
Process: Nitrification refers to the biological oxidation of ammonia with oxygen into nitrate.
Reason for New Requirement: To remove essentially all ammonia from the discharge based on a variety of possible ecological impacts on the Delta.
Denitrification
Process: Denitrification refers to the process of removing nitrate from the wastewater by converting it to nitrogen gas.
Reason for New Requirement: To remove essentially all nitrogen from the discharge and reduce the amount of this nutrient entering the Delta based on concerns over excessive algae growth.
Filtration
Process: Filtration is used in wastewater treatment plants to remove very small particles and pathogens from the treated effluent.
Reason for New Requirement: To remove pathogens and additional contaminants of concern from entering the Sacramento River.
Disinfection
Process: Disinfection inactivates pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses.
Reason for New Requirement: To determine the best disinfection method for removing pathogens and reduce the risk of infection from the treated effluent.
In addition to the costs from implementing the new Discharge Permit, increased operation and maintenance costs and debt coverage related to the existing treatment system are responsible for a portion of the approved, three-year rate plan.