History of the Mt. View Sanitary District

The Mt. View Sanitary District (MVSD) was established in 1923 to provide sewer service to unincorporated areas east of the City of Martinez. The District's initial sewer system fed into a large community septic tank. In 1951, the District installed primary treatment units to meet the needs of the growing local population. Secondary treatment began in 1968 with the addition of a secondary clarifier, digester, thickener, and a high rate biofilter. The 1970's brought increased concern from the public for their environment and stricter discharge regulations. To meet effluent disposal limilts outlined by the Regional Water Quality Board in 1974, the District reclaimed valuable wetlands rather than incur the higher cost of constructing a deep water outfall line. As the flows of wastewater to the treatment plant increased, the acreage of the wetlands grew from 20 to 86 acres, and another 100 acres was gained as a result of joint management with other agencies. In 1980, the District added a dechlorination unit and a standby generator to its treatment process. The District again showed its innovative sprit by installing one of the first sludge filter press units in the state. 1994 brought the construction of a filtration system and an ultraviolet disinfection system, the first full scale operation in Northern California.

MVSD now serves approximately 25,000 residents by treating an average daily flow of 2.0 million gallons of wastewater per day. Through the Board of Directors' commitment to the marsh projects, the wetlands have become a wildlife habitat for more than 200 species. The abundant birdlife attracts birdwatchers, photographers and scientists. Classes from local schools and colleges study this natural resource and utilize it as a convenient example of a wetland ecosystem.

The staff of MVSD has taken up their task to treat wastewater to meet discharge regulations set by state and federal governments as a serious responsibility.