Who We Are
The Summerland Sanitary District is one of many independent special districts which are voted into existence by the citizens. Special Districts serve and are sanctioned under California law to perform specific local government functions within certain boundaries. The District was formed in 1957 pursuant to the Sanitary District Act of 1923. It derives its authority in the California Health & Safety Code (Sections 6400-6830) and operates under State Water Quality Control Board Central Coast Region NPDES Permit # CA 4805400.
The Summerland Sanitary District operates and maintains:
- More than eight miles of sewer pipelines and three pumping stations;
- A 0.3 MGD (Million Gallons per Day) tertiary treatment plant to biologically and chemically process wastewater;
- A 12-inch diameter ocean outfall extending 740 feet into the ocean;
- A testing laboratory to control the treatment process and monitor treated wastewater quality for compliance with state and federal discharge requirements;
- A system for effluent and ocean monitoring to assure that the marine environment is protected and safe for public use.
History
The Summerland Sanitary District was organized in 1957 by the residents of Summerland as an independent district to provide sewage services for the residents within the Summerland District boundaries. Since conception and for many years thereafter, the treatment facility operated as a conventional activated sludge process. In 1991 the Summerland Sanitary District was upgraded to a tertiary treatment facility. This treatment method ensures a higher quality of effluent. The treatment plant has a design capacity of 300,000 gallons per day.
Pic: District Administrative Office
Board of Directors Summerland Sanitary District
The District is governed by a five-member Board of Directors who serve four-year terms. The Directors are elected on an at-large basis.
Election procedures and questions can be answered by visiting Santa Barbara County election websites. On this website, you will find the election procedure and applicable deadlines.
The Board meets on average once a month: the second Thursday of each month. Meetings begin at 3:00 p.m. at the District located at 2435 Wallace Avenue in Summerland, CA. The Board receives a $175 compensation per board meeting (see link below for the adopted Resolution 2015-01 Compensation Information).
All board meetings are open to the public and can be attended in person, or remotely through a provided video/phone conference link that is posted on the meeting agenda.
Links:
Resolution 2015-01 provides information on Board member compensation for days of service, ethics training, and reimbursement of board expenses.
Resolution 2020-09 provides information on board bylaws and rules of procedure for the conduct of Board business.
Board of Directors Election Procedure
Every two years certain Board Positions are up for (re-)election.
To find out more information please visit the Santa Barbara Election Office by clicking on this Candidate Filing link
The Filing Procedure booklet for Special District Board is created and published every two years.
You can visit the Filing Procedure Booklet 2024 by clicking on the following link: Filing Guide 2024
If you are interested in serving on the Board for the Summerland Sanitary District please send an email to [email protected] District Management will answer any questions you may have. The two main requirements to be eligible to serve are that you have to live within the Summerland Sanitary District’s District’s boundaries (main residence) and you have to be a registered voter.
Office Term December 2024 through December 2028
Office Term December 2024 through December 2028
Office Term: December 2022 through December 2026
Office Term December 2022 through December 2026
Office Term December 2024 through December 2028
Staff
The Board employs an Administrative Manager, an Operations Manager, a Lead Collections/WTP Operator II, one Grade II Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator, and one Operator-In-Training. The District recovers the cost of providing sewer service from rates levied by Santa Barbara County through property taxes. The District is independently audited and subject to state and federal regulations.