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Biosolids Digesters Construction Teams ‘Sign Off’ on Project’s Highest Beam

Will Crow, an inspector with the SFPUC’s Construction Management Team, signs the steel beam that will be the highest beam placed on the Biosolids Digesters Project (BDFP).
Will Crow, an inspector with the SFPUC’s Construction Management Team, signs the steel beam that will be the highest beam placed on the Biosolids Digesters Project (BDFP).
  • Heidi Anderson

On January 29, 2024, workers and wastewater officials gathered to sign their names with large black pens on a nearly 14-foot steel beam that would become the highest point of the Biosolids Digester Facilities. This facility is currently under construction at the Southeast Treatment Plant in the Bayview neighborhood. 

The event was organized by Biosolids Project Construction Superintendent Juan Miguel Ramos. 

“This topping off beam signifies the culmination of a great deal of hard work,” said Ramos. “This is for both in-the-office and our craft workers who are in the field both physically and mentally.” 

He added that, although the Biosolids Project construction project is not complete, the topping off is a symbol of dedication to the community and marks all that his team has accomplished on this project so far. 

“We are committed to continue putting work in place safely alongside our community trade partners and skilled union labor,” he said.

David Schwartz, Assistant Resident Engineer on the project for the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), was on hand for the signing as well.  “On a project as complex and lengthy as this one,” said Schwartz “It’s really good to take a moment to literally put our names onto our work and recognize the accomplishments of everyone involved so far.” 

Approximately a week later, the beam was installed at the top of the elevator shaft at the Anaerobic Digester Building during a “Topping Off” celebration. At 79.5 feet high, it will be the highest beam for the Biosolids project.

The Biosolids project is being constructed at the Southeast Treatment Plant (SEP) along with the New Headworks Facility. Both projects will replace and relocate SFPUC’s outdated existing solids treatment facilities with more reliable, efficient, and modern technologies and facilities. The SEP handles 80% of San Francisco’s wastewater, and SFPUC is investing over $3 billion to upgrade and modernize the aging plant to reduce odors, be better prepared for earthquakes and sea level rise, and ensure operational redundancy and efficiency. 

When complete, the City’s largest wastewater pollution treatment plant will be transformed into a resource recovery facility that smells better, looks better and works better for our City and the neighboring community. 

Learn more about the construction of the Biosolids Digesters Facilities.