In addition to implementing local GHG reduction projects, the RDF’s Technical Report recommends region-wide institutional governance structures that support ongoing collaboration and learning. These include a regional steering committee, sector working groups, and front-line advisors that connect government officials, planning bodies, regulators, industry stakeholders, and experts.
Commercial trenchless pipelining enables municipalities to repair their wastewater pipelines without excavation, protecting our environment. Learn about the other environmental benefits of this innovative approach.
Reduced Carbon Footprint
San Diego Pipelining involves using Cured-in-place pipelining (CIPP), a climate-friendly process requiring minimal excavation, ensuring no harm to the surrounding environment. It involves inserting a resin-impregnated liner into a damaged pipe and curing it with hot water or steam.
Currently, cities strive to reduce their carbon footprint by cleaning their electric grids, limiting suburban sprawl, and electrifying transportation and buildings. These three sources account for 96% of the total carbon footprint and must be addressed to combat climate change effectively.
In California, energy companies are responsible for significant greenhouse gas emissions. Some companies suggest blending renewable hydrogen with natural gas and delivering it through the existing pipeline network for home delivery to promote the use of renewable energy.
The carbon-free hydrogen would replace traditional natural gas and help reduce emissions from a home’s heating and cooling systems. The company says this will have a similar impact to removing millions of cars from the road each year.
Less Excess Waste
Unlike traditional excavation-based pipe repairs, trenchless commercial pipelining is minimally invasive. Fewer materials are discarded after the relining process is complete, lessening the environmental impact. This environmentally conscious technique also preserves surrounding green spaces and habitats, reducing the need for costly landfill disposals.
Lastly, heavy machinery that requires high fossil fuel consumption rates during pipe repair/replacement processes produces greenhouse gases, exacerbating the effects of climate change. In contrast, CIPP and OC pipeline methods produce significantly less carbon dioxide, ozone, and sulfur oxides.
When completed in 2025, Pure Water is expected to make San Diego less vulnerable to droughts and sharp cost increases for imported Water while also shrinking the amount of sewage the Point Loma Wastewater Treatment Plant releases into the ocean daily. Pure Water is the largest environmental project in the City’s history, and it’s already making a difference. Learn more about this innovative project here.
Enhanced Water Flow
As a non-invasive method for pipeline rehabilitation, trenchless pipelining involves installing a specialty liner inside the existing sewer drain or water line. The liner is made of HDPE, Pex, or Teflon and is pulled or pushed into place inside the carrier pipeline.
Traditional methods for replacing sewer pipes and drainage lines require extensive excavation, often resulting in deforestation and soil erosion. Additionally, the use of heavy machinery and fossil fuels contributes to the release of greenhouse gases.
Pipeline construction projects are typically constructed in the public right of way. Per easement agreements, private driveways, hardscapes, and any other improvements built in the area must be removed at the owner’s expense.
Fortunately, this is fine with trenchless pipeline repair, as the lining technique leaves the unaltered original surface of the existing pipes in place. The new lining material creates a smooth pipe interior, allowing for improved water flow and preventing leaks. It enables the water authority to deliver more water to San Diego residents.
Prevents Root Infiltration
When your pipes become damaged, they can attract tree roots and cause various plumbing problems. Pipelining prevents this, as the durable lining blocks out the intrusion of seeds and other debris. It keeps your plumbing system functioning properly and prevents costly repairs in the future.
The City has developed a Sanitary Sewer Master Plan (SSMP) to comply with requirements set by State and local water agencies, including the Water Development Rates (WDRs). It includes constructing a large sewage recycling plant in Miramar and a pipeline through Clairemont to bring sewage to the new plant.
These projects require going through existing easements; no structures or hardscapes are expected to be built within the easement areas. If unpermitted improvements or encroachments are encountered that impede the project’s progress, they will need to be removed at the owner’s expense. Once the construction work is complete, these encroachments will be restored.
