Location: Darien, Connecticut | Status: Complete; tracking compliance
Summary: Poorly maintained sewage collection systems can fall into a state of disrepair and result in chronic sewage spills, impacting the health of Connecticut residents and our shared environment. Save the Sound identified overflows from Darien’s sewage collection system, including a release of about 600,000 gallons in October 2018, and a history of failing to implement recommendations for rehabilitation and maintenance. We worked collaboratively with the town to negotiate a legal agreement, known as a consent decree, as part of a Clean Water Act citizen suit legal action, under which the town agreed to conduct a system-wide study, make any necessary repairs identified according to an agreed upon schedule, and develop and implement a plan for routine maintenance. The town also provided funding to the Darien Land Trust for improvements to Olson Woods Pond that augment its function as a natural forebay protecting Long Island Sound and as habitat for sea-bound migratory fish, local wildlife, and other migratory species. A consent decree was signed by Judge Janet C. Hall on December 29, 2020.
Darien completed its Inflow and Infiltration Report in September 2020 and submitted its draft Sanitary Sewer Evaluation Survey Report (“SSES”) and Preliminary Remediation Plan to Save the Sound for review on September 30, 2022. In December 2022, Darien submitted a Capacity, Management, Operation, and Maintenance Plan (“CMOM”). Save the Sound is reviewing these plans and ensuring compliance so Darien’s waters and habitats have the chance to recover back to a healthier state, free of unlawful sewage pollution.
Latest step: Save the Sound commented on Darien’s SSES and CMOM.
Next step: Save the Sound will continue to review Darien’s compliance with the Clean Water Act and requirements to fix broken sewage systems and prevent spills.
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Last Updated: September 26, 2024