TUD Celebrates Completion of New Sonora Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility by Tuolumne Utilities District Jun 27, 2024 Member Submitted News Tuolumne Utilities District (TUD) is thrilled to announce the successful completion of the Sonora Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility (SRWWTF). The SRWWTF project represents a significant achievement for TUD and the community it serves. The project, which began in October 2021, has been a substantial undertaking for the district, with the construction of a new wastewater treatment facility capable of treating an average of 2 million gallons of wastewater per day. This $42 million facility replaces an outdated plant built in the 1970s and marks a major milestone in TUD’s commitment to providing efficient and sustainable wastewater management solutions for the community. The Sonora Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility has been designed to meet the current California Title 22 Standards for Disinfected Tertiary Treated wastewater. Specific improvements include a new headworks screening and grit removal system, secondary treatment process consisting of rehabilitation, and conversion of existing secondary anaerobic digesters to aerobic digesters, new sludge screw press for solids dewatering, emergency standby power, a new administrative/operations building, and eventually a new septage receiving facility. The project site was strategically contained within the footprint of the existing treatment plant at Southgate Drive. The majority of the project cost was covered by a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant/loan package which included over $8.5 million in grant dollars and approximately $24.9 million in low-interest loans. TUD contributed approximately $8.8 million of its own wastewater reserves. “This state-of-the-art facility represents a major investment in our community’s future and our commitment to environmental sustainability,” said TUD General Manager, Don Perkins. “It will ensure we have the infrastructure in place to meet current and future wastewater treatment needs. We are proud to mark the completion of the Sonora Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility, a testament to our ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and community well-being.” To celebrate the completion of this project, TUD hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Sonora Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility on June 26, 2024, at 9 a.m. The event was a success, with many guests in attendance, including City of Sonora and Tuolumne County Representatives, Tribal partners, community leaders, project partners, neighboring districts, TUD Board of Directors and staff. The event featured remarks from TUD Board President Jeff Kerns, General Manager Don Perkins, District Engineer Erik Johnson, Associate Engineer Jennifer Batt, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director Maria Gallegos-Herrera and Dana Jorgensen, Sr. District Representative of the State Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil’s office. Guests also had the opportunity to tour the new facility and learn about its features and benefits. TUD is proud to serve the community with this state-of-the-art facility and looks forward to continuing its mission of delivering reliable, quality water and wastewater services in Tuolumne County.
