The Ohio EPA recently approved the City of Columbus’ Wet Weather Management Plan, a 40-year blueprint expected to eliminate more than 80% of the sewer overflows by 2015. The Sierra Club encourages the city to move swiftly to clean up our waterways and leverage economic stimulus dollars to create jobs.

Columbus is in a competitive position to take the lead on protecting the environment and stimulating the economy. Federal funding for sewer and water infrastructure dwindled during the Bush Administration, but economic stimulus dollars can provide an opportunity for Columbus to complete projects in a timely manner and incorporate environmentally-friendly practices.

The direct and indirect impacts of the Wet Weather Management Plan will create an average of 2,900 jobs annually, according to an economic analysis conducted by the Columbus Chamber of Commerce. If Columbus is a recipient, the economic stimulus funding can bolster the city’s efforts and soften the impact on ratepayers during these tough economic times.

Ultimately, investments in sewer and water infrastructure are investments in healthier communities. The Columbus sewer system discharges an average of 1.65 billion gallons of sewage during a typical year into rivers and basements, and is responsible for more than 90% of the bacteria in the Scioto River after major rain events. Raw sewage exposes the public to bacteria and viruses that can lead to serious illness.

Sierra Club staff, volunteers and partner organizations participated in the Ohio EPA’s public comment period and secured a seat at the table to share suggestions and concerns with city and Ohio EPA officials. Upon approval, the Ohio EPA established conditions that accelerate the 40-year implementation schedule. The Ohio EPA also requires the city to analyze possibilities for additional reductions or elimination of sewage bypasses around the Jackson Pike High Rate Treatment System.

The city can enhance existing sewer projects with green infrastructure, which prevents excessive stormwater from entering sewers and causing overflows. In addition to water quality benefits, green infrastructure practices prevent flooding, improve air quality, reduce the urban heat island effect and increase property values. There’s also an opportunity for river restoration projects along areas where sewer construction is complete. The city can create green jobs by expanding green infrastructure projects and river restoration.

Approving the plan is just the beginning; there is much work ahead to reach overflow reductions. The Sierra Club will continue to monitor sewer improvements to ensure benchmarks are enforced and the process is accountable.

Do your part to reduce sewer overflows:

• Install a rain barrel to capture and re-use water from the roof.

• Plant a rain garden and/or use native landscaping to allow water to seep into the ground rather than running into the storm drains.

• Instead of dumping cooking oil down the drain and causing pipes to clog, store it in a container and dispose in the trash.