The services provided by the Wastewater Enterprise include coordinating operations, monitoring, maintenance and related activities of the wastewater treatment plant and sanitary pumping stations.

The Enterprise provides primary and secondary treatment of wastewater as well as treatment and conditioning of the solids removed at the treatment facility resulting in a high-quality effluent that can be discharged to the ocean. 

Strategic Goals and Objectives

• Operate and maintain the City's wastewater collection system and treatment facilities.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, including discharge limitations, monitoring and reporting, and safety procedures.
• Seek grant funding and other low-cost financing for capital projects.
• Manage the City's wastewater system in a cost-effective and efficient manner. 

Wastewater Collection System 

The wastewater collection system is wholly owned and operated by the City through the Municipal Improvement District. The Fort Bragg wastewater facilities consist of a sewer system, six pump stations, a wastewater treatment plant, and an outfall pipeline, which extends 690 feet into the Pacific Ocean. The first sewers were constructed in the late 1800’s.  A large proportion of the gravity sewers still in use are older vitrified clay pipes, notoriously subject to leaks through broken pipes and defective joints caused by intruding roots, seismic activity, and differential settling as well as from external damage. The force main system is primarily composed of Techite pipe. The original wastewater treatment plant was built in 1971. A number of upgrades to the treatment plant occurred in the intervening years. Between 2017 and 2022, the treatment plant received a full overhaul.

Wastewater Treatment Plant

The Wastewater Treatment Plant is located at 281 Jere Melo Street in Fort Bragg.  The plant is rated for 0.800 MGD dry weather flow and an average daily wet weather treatment capacity of 4.9 MGD wet weather flow. The treated effluent outfall pipeline extends 690 feet into the Pacific Ocean.  The Collection system consists of:  Approximately 30 miles of gravity sewers and pressure mains. The gravity sewers range in size from 6 inches to 30 inches in diameter. Six (6) lift stations: 1. North Noyo, 2. South Noyo, 3. Noyo Point, 4. Sanderson Street, 5. Elm Street, and 6. Pudding Creek. 

Sanitary Sewer Overflow

The State Water Resources Control Board's regulates all public sanitary sewer operations. Cities are required to submit annual reports to the California Integrated Water Quality System Project (CIWQS). Those reports can be accessed here. 

In the event of any sanitary sewer overflow please call the Fort Bragg Police Department at 707-964-0200

Sewer System Management Plan

As part of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, the City complies with the permit requirements with implementation of a Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP). The Fort Bragg Municipal Improvement District NO. 1 SSMP can be found here.

Fats, Oils and Grease Control Program (FOG)

The City of Fort Bragg’s Fats, Oils, and Grease Control Program is an important component of the
District’s source control strategy. The program was developed to address the discharges of the
District’s dominant group of non-domestic users, the food service establishments. The FOG Control Program was implemented in 2004, and has been an active element in preventing sanitary sewer overflows.

Ordinance 911 was adopted on 2005, by the District to amend Chapter 14.16 of the Municipal Code to
include provisions for fats, oils, and grease control. This ordinance, which became effective July 24,
2003, represented the initiation of the City’s Fats, Oils, and Grease Control Program. The program’s
intent is to minimize the number of sanitary sewer overflows that occur within the Sewer District. FOG Control Program ensures that all food service establishments within the Fort Bragg Sewer District have a grease trap or grease interceptor to capture fats, oils, and grease, which would otherwise be directed into the City’s wastewater collection system.

What is FOG?

FOG refers to fats, oils, and greases, which are commonly found in things such as meats, sauces, gravy, salad dressing, fried foods, baked goods, cheese, butter, and other food items. Residential users and businesses such as restaurants, generate FOG by preparing or serving food.

What is the problem with FOG?

FOG is often washed into the plumbing system, usually through the kitchen sink. This buildup sticks to the insides of sewer pipes and overtime, the grease can build up and block the entire pipe. When sewer pipelines become blocked with grease, sewage will flow out of manholes and into storm drains. The sewage in storm drains will then flow into the river and eventually make its way to the ocean. 

Tips to reduce FOG 

Do not pour fats, oils, and/or grease into your sink, garbage disposal, toilet, or storm drain. Before washing dishes, pots, or pans, scrape food debris and dry wipe with paper towels. Place all greasy materials in the trash. Pour fats, oils, and/or grease into an empty glass jar or metal can. Once you have filled it up, secure the lid and place it in the trash, or save it for recycling. 

Do Not Flush Baby Wipes

Flushing baby wipes are another item that can clog sewer pipes and cause a sewage overflow. Despite what the packaging may say "flushable wipes" do not dissolve and can be detrimental to residential plumbing as well as the sewer system.