Update on the Domestic Wastewater Treatment Plant

City of Hollister residents have experienced bad odor originating from the Residential Sewer Treatment Facility located at 1321 South Street. Complaints about the smell have triggered a series of discussions between City Staff and the City Council; this discussion may have created confusion about the type of waste treated at the plant and capacity.
“The Sewer Treatment Facility has a Stated certified capacity of 4.0 million gallons per day. On average we process 2.8 million gallons per day, which is well within the permitted capacity” said City Manager Ana Cortez.
She further indicates that “San Juan Oaks, Gavilan College, San Juan Bautista and City of Hollister residential flows are treated at the facility; industrial waste is treated at a separate facility.”
As far as confusion over rate increases, the City Manager explained that “there are no plans to increase sewer rates. We have not conducted a rate study that will lead us to conclude the rates need adjustment.” When pressed to explain the 30% rate increase, she clarified that that adjustment was “for drinking water provided by the City of Hollister only; the rate is needed after years of falling behind inflation related adjustments, new costs and higher prices of water. It is imperative to differentiate the source of drinking water in the City of Hollister; some people get their water from the City while others get their water from Sunnyslope Water District. The 30% is ONLY for the City of Hollister. Sunnyslope Water District is an independent government organization from the City of Hollister. “
The City of Hollister’s sewer plant is facing structural and management difficulties; ultimately the City Manager is accountable for all municipal operations. City Manager Cortez indicated that it will be her responsibility to implement better monitoring of sewer plant operations including a more aggressive implementation of the Capital Improvement Plans which invest in updated equipment.

For more information, Ana Cortez at (831) 537-7020.