Board Freezes Its Own Pay, Receives Elite Compliance Reports at Central San

The Central Contra Costa Sanitary District Board of Directors declined to give itself a raise, received two reports showcasing nationally recognized operational performance, and quietly approved a $1.5M contract to prepare for tightening federal rules on "forever chemicals" — all in a brisk April 2 meeting that underscored the district's emphasis on institutional culture ahead of upcoming labor negotiations.

• Board unanimously freezes its per-meeting stipend at $230, declining an available 5% increase, with members citing solidarity with employees ahead of contract talks

• Sewer spill count rose to 24 but volume plunged 60% after staff discovered 752 misclassified inspection reports and shifted maintenance tactics

• District notches 28th consecutive year of perfect NPDES compliance, processing 13.4 billion gallons with zero permit violations

• $1.5M PFAS regulatory planning contract with Brown and Caldwell approved on consent, advancing the district's response to emerging federal contamination standards

• Board Member McGill honored by the Contra Costa Special Districts Association for civic contributions

The basics: Central San's collection system spans roughly 1,540 miles of sewer pipe and reported 24 sanitary sewer spills in 2025 — up from a record low the prior year but representing just 1.56 spills per 100 miles. Staff cleaned 750 to 800 miles of pipe, TV-inspected 136 miles, completed 51 spot repairs, 103 structure adjustments, and handled nearly 30,000 underground-service-alert requests.