Location: CT River and Tributaries in Central CT; Hartford, CT | Status: Active
Summary:
Combined sewer systems collect rainwater runoff, sewage, and industrial wastewater into one pipe. During wet weather conditions, this combined flow might exceed the capacity of the system. When it does, it is intentionally discharged into a water body without any treatment. Raw sewage and other pollutants are, therefore, discharged directly into water, harming public health and the environment. Combined sewer systems are a remnant of historical design and can be found in older municipalities like the Greater Hartford area, where millions of gallons of combined sewage and stormwater pour into area waterbodies each year. The EPA requires these municipalities to develop and implement a Long Term Control Plan to eliminate the combined sewer overflows by either expanding the capacity of the system to treat all of the combined flow or separating stormwater from sewage and industrial wastewater, so that the latter are properly treated.
The Metropolitan District (MDC), which serves the Greater Hartford area, has been subject to a consent order with DEEP since 2006, requiring compliance with a Long Term Control Plan. In 2006, it was estimated that MDC discharged 974 million gallons of combined raw sewage and stormwater each year. The initial completion date for projects that would eliminate combined sewer overflows, per the consent order, was 2029. By 2022, MDC had achieved annual CSO reductions of 488 million gallons per year, yet there was significant work yet to be done, with hundreds of millions of gallons of combined raw sewage and stormwater still discharged from the remaining combined sewer outfalls during storm events each year.
While the initial order was due to be completed by 2029 it has become clear this will not be achieved due to costs and ability to pay. Save the Sound submitted comments to DEEP requesting that equitable rate structures be fully evaluated by MDC, and other quasi-public entities and municipalities, in Financial Capability Assessments prior to the approval of extensions based primarily on ratepayer ability to pay. DEEP approved a short-term project list and issued a new consent order in September 2022 that rendered this short-term project list enforceable. These projects are expected to further achieve a reduction of 97 million gallons of CSOs per year by 2029. DEEP and MDC will negotiate the next phase of projects beginning in 2027. However, the end date of the LTCP and the remaining CSO projects therein remain unknown, leaving concerns as to the indefinite nature of compliance. At the conclusion of the 2022 consent order, it is estimated that there will still be annual CSO discharges of 393 million gallons. Save the Sound is fighting to ensure prompt compliance with the LTCP in order to eliminate this threat of CSOs to the environment and public health.
Latest steps:
- DEEP approved the short-term project list, spanning until 2029, and issued a consent order in September 2022 incorporating this schedule.
Next steps:
- Save the Sound will closely monitor compliance with the 2022 consent order and continue to advocate for an equitable rate structure.
- MDC will host public meetings to update the public on progress and forthcoming projects.
- Save the Sound, with partners, will continue to submit feedback to DEEP and will request measures to ensure transparency and accountability.
Further reading:
- Letter to DEEP regarding equitable rates
- BLOG POST: “Ratepayers shouldn’t be first option for municipalities funding expensive compliance projects”
Action opportunities:
Page Last Updated: November 8, 2024