Progressive Design-Build project will advance nutrient reduction at San Francisco’s largest wastewater treatment plant
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (Oct. 28, 2026) — PCL Construction, Inc., in joint venture with Jacobs Project Management, has been awarded the $1 billion Southeast Water Pollution Control Plant Nutrient Reduction project for the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC). The project will advance a major investment in the city’s wastewater infrastructure and support long-term efforts to reduce nutrients in the plant’s effluent entering San Francisco Bay.
The plant is San Francisco’s largest wastewater treatment facility, processing nearly 80% of the city’s combined stormwater and wastewater annually. The nutrient reduction project will focus on upgrades within the existing facility to reduce nutrient loads and help SFPUC respond to evolving environmental needs and regulatory requirements.
“This is exactly the type of complex infrastructure project where Progressive Design-Build can add significant value,” said Ankur Talwar, PCL Civil district manager in the West. “Rather than beginning with a predetermined solution, we have the opportunity to bring the owner, designers and builders together early to evaluate multiple treatment technologies and determine the approach that best meets the facility’s long-term needs. That collaboration will be critical as we work within an active treatment plant that plays such an essential role in San Francisco’s wastewater system.”
The project is being delivered through a 50/50 joint venture between PCL Construction and Jacobs Project Management, with design services provided by Jacobs Engineering, Hazen and Stantec.
“Complex infrastructure challenges require integrated teams with a common vision that leverage technology, design and construction expertise. Together, we’re combining decades of wastewater experience and innovation to deliver a sustainable, future-focused solution that benefits both the utility and San Francisco Bay,” said Tom Meinhart, Jacobs Executive Vice President.
“This is a major investment to help protect San Francisco Bay by reducing nutrients in San Francisco wastewater,” said SFPUC Assistant General Manager for Infrastructure Stephen Robinson. “San Francisco is doing its part to protect the health of the bay. This project, along with our new state-of-the-art treatment plant on Treasure Island, which removes nutrients from Treasure Island’s wastewater, demonstrates that commitment. This ambitious project will remake the heart of San Francisco's largest treatment plant while that plant continues to operate, handling 80% of the city's wastewater. Jacobs and PCL have worked with us on major wastewater projects before, and that experience will be critical as we take on a project of this size and complexity.”
The award builds on PCL’s ongoing work with SFPUC and Jacobs. PCL is currently delivering two additional design-build projects for the commission: the Treasure Island Water Resource Recovery Facility and the Southeast Plant Biogas Utilization project.
Construction is anticipated to be completed in 2034.
About PCL Construction
PCL Construction is one of the most respected and accomplished builders in North America, made up of independent construction companies operating throughout the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, and Australia. With an annual construction volume exceeding $8 billion USD, PCL builds projects that shape communities and strengthen infrastructure. The company’s 100% employee ownership model fuels a culture of commitment for clients in the buildings, civil infrastructure, heavy industrial and solar markets. With a strategic presence in more than 30 major centers, PCL’s leadership teams consistently drive innovation and set new benchmarks for excellence, bringing unparalleled skill to every project. Watch us build at PCL.com.