On Friday, the Environmental Protection Agency released a crucial report on the current sewage pollution problem in New York and New Jersey in order to address stormwater and sewage overflow in both states.
The report released today, titled Keeping Raw Sewage and Contaminated Stormwater Out of the Public's Water, analyzes the issue of large amounts of stormwater runoff from heavy rains entering and overflowing sewage systems and causing raw sewage to enter bodies of water, including rivers, lakes, and streams. The report also contains maps of overflow locations, emphasizing locations within the New York City metropolitan area.
Raw sewer overflow from combined stormwater runoff and sewage systems has become a major problem in both New York and New Jersey, as well as some parts of Puerto Rico, where these combined systems are unable to handle the capacity of stormwater runoff. Normally, these systems transport both wastewaters to a water treatment plant that treats the water according to EPA laws and then safely discharges it into a body of water. Not only does combined sewer overflow cause untreated raw sewage to enter bodies of water, but it also carries toxic materials, debris, and industrial waste as well.
EPA Region Administrator to the New York and New Jersey Area Judith Enck commented on the reported today and importance of enforcing to the Clean Water Act in order to protect the environment by reducing pollution to waterways. Enck said, "Clean water is vital to people's health and our economy and is a priority for the EPA. We've seen improvements in water quality since the passage of the Clean Water Act 40 years ago, but there is much more to be done to protect our rivers, harbors, lakes and streams. EPA's new report provides important information on the laws that protect our waterways and the actions that can be taken to reduce water pollution."
According to the report, the EPA currently enforces the Clean Water Act by requiring permits for combined sewer system discharges and that each discharge is treated properly before being discharge in their designated body of water. Permit holders must demonstrate that they have adopted technology controls for discharge.
The EPA also maintains the combined sewer overflow policy, which focuses on three objectives, including ensuring that when overflow does occur its only due to a result of precipitation, that discharge points are compliant under the Clean Air Act, and that the environmental impacts of overflow on water quality is kept at a minimum.
Rachel Bogart provides an in-depth look at current environmental issues and local Chicago news stories. As a college student from the Chicago suburbs pursuing two science degrees, she applies her knowledge and passion to both topics to garner further public awareness.
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