Collections Department

Mission Statement

“Treat every customer like family.”


Department Description and Purpose

The primary responsibility of the Collections Department is to maintain the integrity of the District’s collection system, which consists of approximately 273 miles of sanitary sewer lines, 6,015 manholes, more than 60 special structures, 14 pump stations, and several inverted siphons. The Collections crew cleans and video inspects over 2 million feet of sewer lines each year, and maintains records of sewer line condition. The crew partners with Engineering to establish repair and replacement priorities, and handling investigation, regulatory reporting, and claims for sewer overflows.

Staffing

Eight authorized positions for FY 2013-14 and FY 2014-15.

Lead Workers

Timothy Cravalho

Martin Banuelos

Christopher Brown

Collection System Workers

Earl Miranda

Sam Bobbitt

Glen Grimsley

Please remember:

  • Crews will only access your property if the District has an easement and they need to service the sewer line.
  • Collections staff will never ask to come into your home for any reason.
  • Collections crews drive District vehicles, wear uniforms, and carry identification at all times.

10-Year Strategic Goals

  • Zero lost time accidents in all years and zero “reportable injury” years (3 out 10 years).
  • Zero collection system overflows.
  • Maintain compliance with all SSMP and CIWQS reporting requirements.
  • Develop “watch list” of emerging regulations, key regulatory contacts.
  • Build field GIS infrastructure, provide GIS access to key collection personnel.
  • Measure customer satisfaction and identify areas for improvement.

Performance Measures and Results

Through continuous sewer line cleaning and digital video inspections, the Collections Department achieved:
  • Further reduction of collection system service calls – 260 calls in 2000 to 118 calls in 2015.
  • Further reduction of stoppages – 15 stoppages in 2000 to 3 stoppage in 2015.
  • Continue to maintain high performing system with a spill rate of less than one per 100 miles per year.
  • Prestigious awards from California Water Environment Association (CWEA) – “Collections System of the Year – San Francisco Bay Section” in the 250-500 miles category (1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2004, 2010 and 2013), and “Collections Supervisor of the Year” (2005). In 2000, 2004, 2010 and 2013, the department also received the CWEA State-wide “Collections System of the Year” award.
  • Manage departmental expenses within budget.