EPA and MWRD to settle sewage overflow in Chicago

Authorities in the US state of Illinois have announced a clean water act (CWA) settlement with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) to reduce sewage overflows.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the state of Illinois local authority created the settlement with the aim to reduce untreated sewer discharges released into Chicago area waterways during floods and heavy rain.

The act will allow MWRD to capture stormwater and wastewater from the combined sewer system, which serves the city of Chicago and 51 communities.

The MWRD has agreed to complete a tunnel and reservoir plan to increase its capacity to handle the effects of wet weather and address combined sewer overflow discharges, and will also have to pay a civil penalty of $675,000.

A green infrastructure programme will be implemented by MWRD to reduce stormwater runoff in areas it services by distributing rain barrels and developing projects to build green roofs, rain gardens, or use pervious paving materials in urban neighborhoods.

The MWRD is also required to control trash and debris in overflows using skimmer boats to remove debris from the water.

Cynthia Giles, EPA Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance assistant administrator, said: "Combining innovative stormwater management practices, like rain gardens, with necessary infrastructure overhauls will protect peoples’ health and provide residents with improved recreational opportunities."

Lisa Madigan, Illinois attorney general, said the agreement mandates that MWRD make will be critical structural changes to improve the quality of Chicago’s waterways.

"By requiring green infrastructure projects, the agreement will also help reduce runoff and flooding for Chicago area residents," she said.

 

Caption: The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago aims to reduce untreated sewer discharges released into Chicago waterways. Image courtesy of Tom Curtis