San Diego Wastewater Director Announces Depature

As the city of San Diego enters a critical phase in its bid to secure a third Clean Water Act waiver, the director of the San Diego Metropolitan Wastewater Department is leaving after about one year on the job.

Timothy Bertch, chosen to help Mayor Jerry Sanders decide whether to upgrade the Point Loma Wastewater Treatment Plant or request another waiver, joined the city in December 2006. Bertch had formerly served as a Navy engineer and official for Lockheed Martin San Diego.

San Diego's City Council agreed with Sanders this November to seek exemption from pollution rules. A treatment plant upgrade would cost at least $1 billion, and the city hoped to avoid this costly retrofit.

The mayor's office said that Bertch announced in December that he would step down to assume private employment. He is expected to serve in his position through Dec. 28; Water Department Director Jim Barrett will take over Bertch's positions in addition to his current duties thereafter.