Solving+the+Problem

Communities with excessive inflow and infiltration (I/I) of clear water into the regional sanitary sewer system are taking action to reduce the problem. A handful have already identified and eliminated the source of inflow in their wastewater systems.

The Council identified 49 communities with excessive I/I by monitoring wastewater flow into the regional sewer interceptor system during intense rainfall events between May 2004 and June 2006. The flows were compared with flows during periods with average or no precipitation. Communities were notified in July 2006 and had until Sept. 15 to submit work plans and credits for work already completed. The Council evaluated the submissions and responded to the communities in November. The Council created an “toolbox” that provides potential solutions to communities who are working to reduce I/I. During 2007, communities can submit documentation to the Council of expenses for I/I reduction activities. If the expenses are deemed eligible, the costs are credited against the surcharge, explained Kyle Colvin, assistant manager of the Council’s engineering planning group. The Council will continue to monitor I/I during rainfall events and, if a community reduces its I/I below an established threshold, the Council will the surcharge for two years. If the community maintains levels below the threshold the two-year period, it can get out of the program entirely. Starting in 2008, the surcharge will continue to apply to communities that do not eliminate excessive I/I in 2007. However, these communities can continue to get reductions in the surcharge for eligible expenses until they’ve solved the problem. Clear water in system reduces future growth capacity. media type="youtube" key="VSFhblUiWSM?fs=1" height="385" width="480"