Unearthing discoveries during construction is not uncommon. If during the construction process historical artifacts are discovered, the SFPUC consults with experts to evaluate historic significance of the site.
Making sure to honor historical findings and remembering historical sites is part of the construction process at the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission.
In 2011, during work on the Visitation Valley / Sunnydale project to upgrade old sections of the Sunnydale neighborhood sewer lines, archaeologists found two ships—a scow schooner and a barge that were more than 100 years old and 15 feet below ground.
During the Bay Division Pipeline Reliability Upgrade Project, while replacing part of the water pipeline in Redwood City in 2004, team members discovered an Ohlone archaeological site.
Image: Ohlone children at play.Copyright © 2013 Linda Yamane
Watch the documentary on San Francisco's Central Shops, responsible for the maintenance of city-owned vehicles, machines, equipment, including firefighting instruments. Central Shops relocated to 555 Selby Ave. to allow for the expansion of the Southeast Treatment Plant.