Many of you have followed the Central Ohio Group’s work to address the problem of raw sewage entering our rivers and streams due to inadequate sewer systems.  Thanks to the efforts of the group and former staff, the city of Columbus is moving forward on major improvement projects intended to keep raw sewage from spilling into our waterways and backing up into our basements.  However, we still have work to do to improve water quality and protect public health in Central Ohio. 

The Sierra Club will continue to monitor the city’s sewer improvements and work with the city toward green, innovative solutions to protect water quality.   On Nov. 26, 2007, members of the Central Ohio Group met with Andrew Ginther, Chair of the Public Utilities Committee of Columbus City Council. That evening we gave public comment at the Council meeting addressing the 2008 water and sewer rate increase proposal.

Our recommendations include having industrial users pay a fair share of the rates—by not giving them a smaller increase than residential users, and by not charging lower rates for higher usage. We recommend that developers pay for sewer extensions—current residents should not have to subsidize outward development. We also ask the city to promote water conservation incentives for all users and recommend eliminating the cap for storm water fee assessment for large users.

We took the opportunity to promote to Council the benefits of low-cost, green solutions that can be used to manage the flow and volume of polluted stormwater.  Wet weather events often overwhelm the sewer system and result in sewer overflows contaminating our waterways.  In our urbanized environment, rain water moves quickly across concrete and rooftops, so we have an increasing need for the role that nature can play in collecting and filtering polluted runoff.  That’s why maintaining wetlands and riparian corridors along waterways is so important to maintaining healthy waters. 

Shining examples exist, in Columbus and beyond, that demonstrate how plant-based solutions, (or “green infrastructure”) can be used creatively to collect, filter and recycle stormwater. Rooftop gardens (like the downtown Lazarus building) and rain gardens (like the Adena Brook Community) are not only great at keeping water clean, but the plants also absorb greenhouse gases, beautify neighborhoods and create habitat for birds, bees and butterflies.

Stay tuned for more information about rain gardens and how they can be used to improve water quality.  We will be working with a brand new coalition in Central Ohio to promote the benefits of rain gardens for neighborhood beautification and clean water.  Please call 614-461-0734
x311 or if you would like to help the Sierra Club with community outreach efforts.