REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Adopt a Resolution Renaming the Donald M. Somers Water Pollution Control Plant to the Sunnyvale Donald M. Somers Clean Water Facility
Report
BACKGROUND
The City of Sunnyvale owns and operates the Donald M. Somers Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP), located at 1444 Borregas Avenue. The WPCP provides treatment of wastewater from residential, commercial, and industrial sources in Sunnyvale, the Rancho Rinconada portion of Cupertino, and Moffett Federal Airfield. The facility was originally constructed in 1956 and has evolved over subsequent decades into a Grade V tertiary treatment facility.
The WPCP was named after Donald M. Somers, who was the Public Works Director in Sunnyvale in 1956 when the WPCP was built. Mr. Somers was recognized nationally in 1978 as one of the “Top Ten Public Works Officials”.
In 2016, the City Council adopted the WPCP Master Plan, establishing a long-term program for upgrading and replacing aging infrastructure. The Sunnyvale Cleanwater Program is implementing that plan through multiple major capital projects. New headworks and primary treatment facilities have been completed, while secondary treatment, thickening/dewatering, rehabilitation, and equipment-replacement projects are underway.
The modernization program is transforming the WPCP from a traditional wastewater treatment plant into a more advanced facility focused on water quality, resource recovery, environmental stewardship, recycled water, and renewable energy. The proposed Clean Water Center building which is now in design and planned to be bid out later this year would further support this transformation by consolidating operational functions and providing opportunities for public education.
EXISTING POLICY
The City Council is responsible for naming facilities in recognition of individuals under Council Policy 7.3.20, subject to the City's applicable facility-naming framework. Council Policy 7.3.23 specifically addresses Parks and Rec...
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