Planning and Design of PFAS Removal Treatment System Project
Summary
SCH Number
2026031160
Public Agency
Sweetwater Authority
Document Title
Planning and Design of PFAS Removal Treatment System Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
3/26/2026
Document Description
The Project consists of preparing a comprehensive technical evaluation and conducting a pilot-scale assessment to support future decisions regarding PFAS treatment at the Robert A. Perdue Water Treatment Plant (Perdue WTP). The purpose of the Project is to identify feasible PFAS treatment technologies, validate their performance through pilot testing, and develop the planning-level and design documentation necessary to advance future PFAS treatment improvements.
Project activities include a desktop review of historical operating data, water quality information, and existing facility documentation, as well as a site visit to observe current treatment processes and identify potential locations for future PFAS treatment systems. Using this information, the Project would develop and evaluate PFAS treatment alternatives and prepare draft and final technical reports.
The Project would also prepare a detailed Pilot Test Plan and conduct pilot-scale testing entirely within existing Perdue WTP facilities, avoiding any disturbance to surrounding sensitive habitats. Pilot testing would generate operational and water quality data needed to confirm treatment performance and establish design criteria. Interim and final pilot study reports would document results and recommend full-scale treatment approaches.
Following pilot testing, a Preliminary Design Report would be prepared outlining the proposed full-scale PFAS treatment facilities and associated improvements. This planning-level document would include process schematics, preliminary layouts, hydraulic and electrical information, SCADA integration concepts, and an assessment of potential impacts on corrosion control and finished water quality. The Project would then prepare construction contract documents, including construction drawings, technical specifications, and cost estimates to support future bidding and award.
All Project activities are limited to data collection, analysis, planning, pilot-scale testing within existing facilities, and preparation of design and construction documents. The Project does not involve construction, ground disturbance, or any physical modification of the environment.
The Project directly benefits the approximately 190,000 customers served by Sweetwater Authority in National City, Bonita, and the western and central portions of Chula Vista by supporting future PFAS treatment improvements that will protect drinking water quality and public health within the Authority’s service area.
Contact Information
Name
Israel Marquez
Agency Name
Sweetwater Authority
Job Title
Land and Environmental Manager
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Location
Coordinates
Counties
San Diego
Regions
Unincorporated
Cross Streets
Lakeview Avenue, south of Ranza Road
Zip
91977
Total Acres
0
Parcel #
585-161-01-00
State Highways
125, 54
Waterways
Sweetwater Reservoir, Sweetwater River, unnamed tributaries
Other Location Info
The site address is 100 Lakeview Avenue, Spring Valley, CA 91977
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 6, Information Collection. CEQA Guidelines §15306
Reasons for Exemption
The Project is exempt under CEQA Guidelines §15306, which applies to basic data collection, research, and resource evaluation activities that do not result in a serious or major disturbance to an environmental resource. The Project consists solely of technical evaluation, data analysis, planning, and pilot scale testing conducted entirely within existing water treatment plant facilities. No construction, ground disturbance, vegetation removal, or physical modification of the environment would occur. Pilot testing would be temporary, small scale, and fully contained within existing operational areas of the Perdue WTP, avoiding all surrounding sensitive habitats. The Project does not approve, authorize, or commit the Authority to any future construction or capital improvements. None of the exceptions to categorical exemptions under CEQA Guidelines §15300.2 apply.
County Clerk
San Diego
Attachments
Final Document(s) [Approved_Certified draft environmental documents]
Notice of Exemption
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