The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) has selected Jacobs and PCL Construction to deliver a $1 billion nutrient reduction project at the Southeast Treatment Plant, the city’s largest wastewater facility.

The project will upgrade treatment processes to reduce total inorganic nitrogen discharged into San Francisco Bay and meet updated state and federal environmental requirements. The Southeast Treatment Plant treats nearly 80% of San Francisco’s wastewater.

Under a progressive design-build contract, Jacobs and PCL will design and construct the upgrades while the plant remains operational. SFPUC Assistant General Manager for Infrastructure Stephen Robinson said the project will modernize the facility while supporting continued wastewater treatment.

“This is a major investment to help protect San Francisco Bay by reducing nutrients in wastewater,” Robinson said. He added that the project builds on the city’s broader efforts to reduce nutrient discharges, including a new treatment plant on Treasure Island.

The project also includes a social impact partnership through which Jacobs will support local community health, education and workforce training and development initiatives.

Jacobs will bring experience from previous wastewater infrastructure projects for SFPUC to the project, according to Executive Vice President Tom Meinhart.