Ohio EPA funds Akron sewer line and drinking water improvements

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved two low-interest loans totalling more than $6.9m for sewer line and drinking water improvement projects in the city of Akron.

The loans will help to ensure that customers continue to receive safe and reliable sanitary sewer and drinking water services. The two 20-year loans will save the city more than $1.6m in interest payments compared to market-rate loans.

The Ohio Water Pollution Control Loan Fund (WPCLF) will provide the first loan of $6.1m, which will be used to repair manholes and install cured-in-place piping inside the main trunk sewer that connects to the Mud Run Pump Station. Lining the sewer will significantly reduce infiltration and inflow during rain events and, as a result, will also reduce overflows at the pump station.

A second loan of approximately $800,000 will be provided by the Ohio Water Supply Revolving Loan Account (WSRLA) and will be used to replace water mains, valves and hydrants along streets where customers have reported frequent breaks or concerns with drinking water quality.

Construction on both projects is expected to be complete by September 2014.

The Ohio EPA is managing WPCLF and WSRLA with assistance from the Ohio Water Development Authority (OWDA). The agency is responsible for programme development and implementation, individual project coordination and environmental reviews of projects seeking funds. The OWDA provides financial management of the fund.