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PRESS RELEASE. From Sewer Authority Mid-Coastside on February 4th, 2026.
Investing in Our Infrastructure
As part of critical investment in our wastewater system, Sewer Authority Mid-Coastside (SAM) is working to upgrade portions of the SAM Intertie Pipeline System (IPS) which collects and transports sewage from Montara, Granada and north Half Moon Bay to the treatment plant in Half Moon Bay. The IPS – including more than 2 miles (13,395 feet) of original ductile iron pipeline as part of SAM’s Force Main in Montara – has been in continuous service for more than 40 years and has approached the end of its useful life.
In recent years, there have been a series of failures along the SAM Force Main in Montara. Failures have resulted in interrupted service and sanitary sewer overflows – causing untreated wastewater to be released into the environment.
Potholing Field Work in February – March
Beginning Monday, February 9th SAM’s contractor will begin excavation (‘potholing’) to confirm the exact location and depth of the Force Main as well as any nearby utilities. This work will involve excavation of the pipe in several locations on the west side of Highway 1 from Virginia Avenue to Marine Blvd., and on the east side at the intersection of Capistrano Road.
Potholing Field Work
When: February 9 – March 13, 2026
Work Hours: Monday-Friday 6:30AM-5PM, no noise making activities near residences before 7AM.
Where: Vermont Ave south along Highway 1 to Capistrano Road
Questions? SAMFMMontara@samcleanswater.org
For project details, visit samcleanswater.org/upcoming-projects
Traffic Impacts, Work Sites
Although no potholing is planned within the lanes of Highway 1, work zones along the highway shoulder may require shoulder closures with traffic control during work hours. Some excavation locations will have limited lane closures on side streets that intersect Highway 1 or residential driveways. Equipment and crew vehicles will be parked to prevent traffic impacts in locations near the work zones. Work will utilize a vacuum truck, hand digging, and in limited locations, an excavator.
Work Near Residences, Businesses
Some potholing sites will impact driveways of residences and businesses. Impacted properties will be notified directly at their property and no less than 3 days ahead of planned work.
To limit potholing work durations, our field crews will work directly with residents and businesses to ensure vehicles are outside the work zone prior to work start. All excavations will be restored, or covered with steel plates overnight, if needed.
SAM Core Facilities
The Intertie Pipeline System (IPS) and the SAM Wastewater Treatment Plant in Half Moon Bay – treat all sewage from homes and businesses from Montara to Half Moon Bay. SAM’s facilities work 24/7 to ensure human waste from toilets, as well as wastewater from sinks, showers and any business processes do not
reach our coastline or ocean without appropriate treatment.
Consent Decree and ERF Lawsuit
In May 2018, Ecological Rights Foundation (ERF) notified SAM of its intent to file suit under the Federal Clean Water Act following sanitary sewer overflows in our system. ERF, a nonprofit dedicated to the preservation, protection, and defense of the environment, wildlife, and natural resources of California’s waters, filed suit to protect the coastal environment.
SAM agreed to resolve system inadequacies and entered into a binding legal Consent
Decree which required several system improvements. Replacement of the SAM Force
Main in Montara is required by a court ordered deadline of June 30, 2027 (extended by
agreement in 2024).
More on Granada Community Services District on Coastside Buzz
More on Montara Water and Sanitary District on Coastside Buzz
Sewer Authority Mid-Coastside (SAM) Meetings ~ 2nd & 4th Mondays @ 7:00pm
SAM Agendas and Zoom Links
Subscribe to Agendas. Watch remotely. Comments and questions by email.
SAM Meeting Videos via Pacific Coast TV
Where Does Your Poop Go ~ Virtual Video Tour!
Interactive “Story Map” Tour
Contact Us
Our regular office hours are 7:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. The Authority can be reached 24-hours a day at: (650) 726-0124.
Our Address is:
Sewer Authority Mid-Coastside
1000 Cabrillo Hwy N.
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
SAM Board from left. Paul Nagengast (HMB), Nancy Marsh (GCSD), Scott Boyd (MWSD), Debbie Ruddock (HMB), Barbara Dye (GCSD), Kathryn Slater-Carter (MWSD).
The Sewer Authority Mid-Coastside (SAM) provides wastewater treatment services and contract collection maintenance services for a population of approximately 24,000 in the following areas:
- City of Half Moon Bay
- El Granada
- Miramar
- Montara
- Moss Beach
- Princeton by the Sea
SAM Directors
SAM is a joint powers authority (JPA) created by its three member agencies: City of Half Moon Bay (City), Granada Community Services District (GCSD), and the Montara Water and Sanitary District (MWSD).
The JPA is a separate, independent, public agency created by the member agencies to perform functions and share powers common to the member agencies. Those powers are outlined in a joint exercise of powers agreement (Agreement). The Agreement creating SAM can be found on the Documents page.
Each Agreement identifies how the independent agency will be governed. In the case of SAM, each member agency appoints two members from its governing board to represent it on the SAM Board of Directors, for a total of six directors.
The Agreement also establishes the weight of each director’s vote. The vote by each representatives from the City is given the weight of two votes. The vote by each representative from GCSD and MWSD is given the weight of one vote. The total number of possible votes is eight. A quorum is a minimum of five votes and resolutions require at least six votes to pass.
2026 SAM Directors
Kathryn Slater-Carter ~ Chair, Representing the Montara Water & Sanitary District
Nancy Marsh ~ Vice Chair, Representing the Granada Community Services District
Paul Nagengast ~ Secretary/Treasurer, Representing the City of Half Moon Bay
Deborah Ruddock ~ Director, Representing the City of Half Moon Bay
Barbara Dye ~ Director, Representing the Granada Community Services District
Scott Boyd ~ Director, Representing the Montara Water & Sanitary District
Author: mdrag
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