News

November 29, 2012

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jean Walsh, 415-606-6055
Idil Bereket, 415-554-0741


STORM UPDATE: City Continues Storm Readiness Activities and Completes Ocean Beach Sand Cleanup

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Today, city crews are continuing work on sewers and completing the last phase of the Ocean Beach cleanup. The remaining work at Ocean Beach, expected to be completed before the next storm arrives later today, involves re-grading portions of the beach where sand was removed. Crews worked yesterday hauling away sand affected by the combined stormwater and sewage discharge that occurred on November 21. At this time, there are no impacts to traffic on the Great Highway.

Since early this week, crews have also been inspecting and cleaning catch basins throughout the city. Yesterday, sandbags were distributed around the low-lying 17th and Folsom neighborhood. Additional sewer crews will be on standby through the weekend to reduce emergency response times.

The Department of Public Works (DPW) is providing sandbags to San Francisco residents. Sandbags can be picked up at the DPW Operations Yard, 2323 Cesar Chavez St. Enter at Marin and Kansas streets. There is a limit of 10 sandbags per household. Proof of residency is required at time of pickup.

When safe, residents are encouraged to push aside leaves or trash that may be obstructing the flow of stormwater into catch basins. Residents should call the City’s Customer Service Center 3-1-1 to report clogged storm drains/catch basins, downed trees, flooding emergencies, and sewer backups.

The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission operates and maintains 1000 miles of combined sewers, which collect and treat both sanitary sewage from homes and businesses and street runoff.