• Sanitary District 5: Serving Tiburon and Belvedere, CA

    Sanitary District 5: Serving Tiburon and Belvedere, CA

    The District serves over 3,500 households, collecting, processing, and treating wastewater in accordance with State and Federal Regulations under a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Permit.

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Sani5 News

Jan
10

State & Bay Area Awards for Pollution Prevention & Outreach

Sanitary District No. 5, in partnership with five other wastewater treatment agencies in Marin County, won the Dr. Teng-chung Wu Award in 2010.  This annual award recognizes Dr. Teng-chung Wu's dedication to improving water quality through- out his career and, in particular, his leadership in pollution prevention.

After Bay Area utilities spent billions of dollars during the 1980s to implement traditional treatment technologies, Dr. Wu believed pollution prevention was the most cost-effective next step in improving water quality.

To advance pollution prevention in the Bay Area, Dr. Wu introduced a collaborative regional approach involving many public agencies and utilities in pollution prevention.  His efforts lead to the formation of the Bay Area Pollution Prevention Group (www.bacwa.org).

Because the public is ultimately the source of pollutants in wastewater, Dr. Wu believed strongly in the public outreach and awareness elements of pollution prevention programs.  The award reflects Dr. Wu's pollution prevention philosophy by encouraging submissions from agencies that have worked together on pollution prevention projects or have shared their ideas and experiences with others to foster new and expanded pollution prevention programs. Awards are based on leadership, innovation, commit- ment, measurable results, and benefit to the environment and community.

Nov
27

Paradise Cove Treatment Plant is Operational

The District has invested $1.95 MM on construction of the new Paradise Cove treatment facility and the new Paradise Drive sewer main. The new facility serves Paradise Drive residents from Trestle Glen to Teaberry Lane, including the residents of the Seafirth subdivision who recently decommissioned their private treatment facility and connected to the new forced main.

Though the plant is now fully operational, only a few property owners along Paradise Drive have taken advantage of the opportunity to decommission their aging septic systems and connect to the new forced main to contribute to cleaner, safer, and more environmentally sound sanitary service. The District has done its part. It's time to do yours.

Nov
27

Proposed 2010-2014 Rate Increases:Community Forums!

In 2008-2009, the Board of Directors voted not to enact the previously approved 9% rate increase (approved as part of the last "Prop. 218 process"). It did vote to enact the previously approved 2009-2010 4% rate increase and has initiated a new 218 process to investigate rate increases which would take effect in 2010 through 2014. Stay tuned for more information.

Nov
27

District Finances

Financial Statements Are Online

Audited financial statements for the District's 2010-2011 Fiscal Year, as well as the District’s FY 2012-2013 Budget, are now posted. You are encouraged to peruse them both.

Nov
27

Preventing Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs)

Despite the diligence of the District's maintenance program, overflows do still occur. Culprits include: diapers and other hygiene products that should not have been flushed down the toilet; fats, oils, and grease (FOG) that should not have been poured down the drain; and construction debris introduced into the collection system. In short, overflows are usually preventable. Overflow cleanup is costly and has the potential to introduce pathogens into the environment. If an overflow reaches a storm drain or watershed, the District is required to report the incident to environmental agencies, raising the potential for fines or litigation (under provisions of the Clean Water Act) by environmental watchdog groups. In fact, the District recently settled (for $17,000) with such a group whose cause of action was based simply on the fact that overflows had occurred.

Sewer Emergencies

24 Hours

(415) 779-9048

Dial 9-1-1 if public health or property is threatened.

Our Mission

Sanitary District No.5 of Marin County is a special District, which while meeting or exceeding all applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations, is dedicated to the protection of public health and the environment through effective and economical collection, conveyance, treatment and disposal of wastewater.