Large Construction Projects To Correct Combined Sewer Overflows Are Too Costly
CED-80-40
Published: Dec 28, 1979. Publicly Released: Dec 28, 1979.
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Highlights
In many U.S. cities, stormwater and waste flow through the same systems. Overflows of these combined sewers from heavy rains allow pollutants to enter waterways, streets, and basements. The Environmental Protection Agency estimated that almost $26 billion was needed to fund the pollution control portion of any project that might undertake to separate the Nation's combined sewers. A report focused on progress in stemming the Nation's combined sewer pollution and flooding problem.
Recommendations
Matter for Congressional Consideration
| Matter | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Congress should amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1974 to: (1) allow for increased flexibility in meeting water quality goals in those cases where it is determined that the cost to achieve such goals is prohibitive; (2) allow EPA to fund lower cost nonstructural or limited structural techniques that cannot by funded under current legislation and that are not normally considered operating and maintenance costs; and (3) permit Federal funding of flood projects when the flooding is caused by combined sewer systems and the sollution is part of a total approach designed to minimize both pollution and flooding in the combined system. |
Closed – Not Implemented
|
The 1981 amendments to the Clean Water act authorized that combined sewer projects be limited for fiscal years 1983-85 to those affecting bays and estuaries, and that no combined sewer overflow projects be funded fiscal year 1985. |
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Protection Agency | The Administrator, EPA, should mount a vigorous program of promoting less costly solutions and educating architect/engineering firms, States, communities, and the public on the need for them. |
Closed – Not Implemented
The 1981 amendments to the Clean Water Act authorized that combined sewer projects be limited for fiscal years 1983-85 to those affecting bays and estuaries, and that no combined sewer overflow projects be funded beyond fiscal year 1985.
|
| Environmental Protection Agency | The Administrator, EPA, should speed the transition of proven new technology from the research and development stage to the construction grant stage. |
Closed – Not Implemented
The 1981 amendments to the Clean Water Act authorized that combined sewer projects be limited for fiscal years 1983-85 to those affecting bays and estuaries, and that no combined sewer overflow projects be funded beyond fiscal year 1985.
|
| Environmental Protection Agency | The Administrator, EPA, should require that communities adopt a lower cost approach, including maximum use of innovative and alternative techniques, before funds will be granted for costly structural solutions. |
Closed – Not Implemented
The 1981 amendments to the Clean Water Act authorized that combined sewer projects be limited for fiscal years 1983-85 to those affecting bays and estuaries, and that no combined sewer overflow projects be funded beyond fiscal year 1985.
|
| Environmental Protection Agency | The Administrator, EPA, should develop guidelines outlining an approach that should be followed in combating the combined sewer problem. Such quidelines should, among other things, emphasize BMPs and provide comprehensive quidelines for using alternative techniques. |
Closed – Not Implemented
The 1981 amendments to the Clean Water Act authorized that combined sewer projects be limited for fiscal years 1983-85 to those affecting bays and estuaries, and that no combined sewer overflow projects be funded beyond fiscal year 1985.
|
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Topics
Flood controlSewage disposalUrban planningPollutionWater qualityEngineeringWaterwaysPollution controlPollutantsEnvironmental protection