Welcome to the Plant Master Plan Update, a snapshot of what’s happening in the three-year effort to develop a master plan for the San Jose/Santa Clara Water Pollution Control Plant (Plant) and its 2,600-acre site—a place more than twice the size of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. We appreciate your interest and participation in this unique project.

WHAT’S NEW?
The Plant Master Plan is beginning the environmental review process: On April 19, 2011, the San José and Santa Clara city councils approved staff to move forward with the environmental review process for the recommended preferred alternative plan. Under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) is required to provide full evaluation of the plan and determine whether there are any potential impacts to the environment that should be addressed. The EIR process seeks input from the public and regulatory agencies. Visit rebuildtheplant.org to view the EIR Notice of Preparation, for more information about the Public Scoping Meetings in June 2011, and to submit comments.

KEY TOPICS

Submit input on the Plant Master Plan environmental review: An Environmental Impact Report (EIR) is being developed for the Plant Master Plan. Attend a Public Scoping Meeting to learn about the master plan and provide your input on what the EIR should address.  

Monday, June 6:  12:30 – 2:30 p.m.
San Jose/Santa Clara Water Pollution Control Plant
700 Los Esteros Road, San José

 Wednesday, June 8:  6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Roosevelt Community Center
901 E. Santa Clara Street, San José

Visit the project website to view the Plant Master Plan EIR Notice of Preparation and submit comments.

Thank you CAG!  After two years and more than 20 meetings, the Community Advisory Group (CAG) has concluded as the Plant Master Plan moves into the environmental review process. Thank you to CAG members for their valuable input and commitment to the project, and to everyone who participated in the process. For more information, visit rebuildtheplant.org  or contact CAG Liaison Kristen Yasukawa at Kristen.yasukawa@sanjoseca.gov

Plant Master Plan recap: View the latest project documents and media coverage –

 Memos to San José City Council – April 19, 2011 

 Final Recommended Alternative map

 Public Input Summary on the Draft Recommended Alternative

 Media coverage about the Plant rebuild, land use proposal, and public art 

Plant tours begin this summer: Sign up for a free, two-hour Plant tour this summer! Tours will resume in June 2011. 

Green your spring cleaning: The Plant does an amazing job of removing pollutants from the wastewater to protect our health and environment. Some items are difficult to remove or neutralize, such as harsh cleaning chemicals, paint, and solvents. Protect your family and the Plant by cleaning your house with natural products, such as vinegar, baking soda, essential oils, and washing soda. These natural products are gentle on the environment, and tough on dirt and scum. You can have a clean home that’s also healthy for you and your family.  Click here for green cleaning ingredients and recipes.

Spring inspires our green thumbs: Water from your yard doesn’t get cleaned at the Plant, but flows directly to the Bay. This year, choose less toxic products when you need to control aphids, ants, whiteflies, snails, and other pests. Insecticidal soaps and horticultural oils are less toxic to ladybugs, spiders, and other beneficial insects that eat the insects you want out of your garden. These alternatives are safer for you, your pets, and our environment. For more information about growing a healthy, less toxic garden, visit the BayWise website.  

Attend a Public Scoping Meeting in June 2011.

Thank you for your participation! 

Check out the recent media coverage.

Learn about your wastewater treatment facility at a Plant tour!

For a healthier clean, choose a green alternative!

PLANT MASTER PLAN TIMELINE

CONTACT US

Submit your feedback through the online comment form or contact Project Manager Kirsten Struve at kirsten.struve@sanjoseca.gov or 408-945-5180. Your feedback is always appreciated!

rebuildtheplant.org

PLANT MASTER PLAN GOALS

• Operational – Result in a reliable, flexible Plant that can respond to changing conditions.
• Environmental – Improve habitat and minimize impacts to the local and global environment.
• Economical – Maximize economic benefits for customers through cost-effective options.
• Social – Maximize community benefits through improved aesthetics and recreational uses.

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