San Francisco’s Treasure Island Water Resource Recovery Facility Earns Envision Platinum Award for Sustainable and Resilient Design

The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission’s (SFPUC) new Treasure Island Water Resource Recovery Facility, now under construction, has earned the prestigious Envision Platinum Award, the highest level of recognition from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI).

The Envision Platinum Award recognizes projects that demonstrate exceptional environmental, social, and economic benefits. According to the ISI, only three wastewater treatment plants in the United States have earned an Envision Platinum Award, with Treasure Island becoming the second in California.

“I’m proud to see the Treasure Island Water Resource Recovery Facility earn national recognition with the Envision Platinum Award,” said Mayor Daniel Lurie. “This achievement reflects our city’s strong commitment to sustainability by protecting the bay and providing essential, affordable, and environmentally responsible services. It sets a powerful example of what’s possible through public dedication, bold thinking, and collaboration.”

“This award underscores our commitment to environmental leadership,” said SFPUC General Manager Dennis Herrera. “This project is delivering San Francisco’s first wastewater facility with nutrient removal as we continue to invest in bay health and help address a regional issue. We’re also preparing for sea level rise and advancing long-term environmental solutions. This project includes industry-leading water conservation. It will also supply recycled water for irrigation and toilet flushing and transform a former U.S. Navy site into wetlands and public space. This is another example of our commitment to strong environmental stewardship, being a good neighbor, and investing responsibly in San Francisco’s future.”

The $165 million wastewater treatment facility is part of a major redevelopment project for Treasure Island. The island is being transformed into a vibrant mixed-use neighborhood with up to 8,000 new homes, public spaces, and commercial developments. The growing communities on Treasure and Yerba Buena Islands are projected to gain 20,000 residents by 2036. The new facility, expected to be finished in 2026, will replace an aging wastewater treatment plant and help support the island’s growth and long-term stability. The plant will treat up to 3.9 million gallons of water per day.

How this Project Helps the Community and the Environment:

• Protects the bay with advanced nutrient removal: Reduces nitrogen and phosphorous to prevent harmful algae blooms and protect local ecosystems.
• Provides recycled water for community use: Supplies up to 357 million gallons of recycled water annually for irrigation and toilet flushing, reducing demand for drinking water.
• Improves public space and community amenities: A key goal is to turn part of a former U.S. Navy site on Treasure Island into new public space. The current gravel lot will be replaced with a modern wastewater treatment facility that includes wetlands, landscaped areas, eye-catching architecture and public artwork on the building walls.
• Cuts water use by 98%: Designed to save more than 60 million gallons of drinking water each year by reusing water onsite.
• Developed with community input: The project includes collaboration with residents and partnerships with local nonprofits and school districts to provide funding, volunteer support, training, and internships for a wide range of community programs.

The Treasure Island Water Resource Recovery Facility is being delivered by PCL Construction, Inc., an industry leader in water and wastewater infrastructure construction, in partnership with Stantec, a global leader in sustainable design and engineering.

“PCL’s experience in delivering nearly 500 water and wastewater projects enabled us to implement solutions that achieved an Envision Platinum Award, reinforcing our commitment to sustainable infrastructure,” said Richard Hewitt, vice president and district manager for PCL’s Civil Infrastructure Division. “Envision is more than just a project milestone—it reflects our role as community builders who prioritize sustainability. It’s about making a lasting impact by reducing waste, protecting the environment, and enhancing the communities we serve.”

“At Stantec, sustainability is at our core, and we are honored to work with partners who share that commitment,” said Billy Wong, regional growth leader at Stantec. “We kept the Treasure Island community in mind every step of the way during the design of this project, and we believe it will have a lasting impact.”

About the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) is a department of the City and County of San Francisco. We deliver drinking water to 2.7 million people in the San Francisco Bay Area, collect and treat wastewater for the City and County of San Francisco, and meet more than 75% of the electricity demand in San Francisco. Our mission is to provide our customers with high quality, efficient and reliable water, power, and sewer services in a manner that values environmental and community interests, and sustains the resources entrusted to our care. Learn more at sfpuc.gov.