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Mich. Lawmaker Proposes Prohibiting Sewage Releases During Storms
Dec. 3 -- A Michigan congressman has introduced legislation that would prohibit environmental regulators from allowing cities to release partially treated sewage into waterways during periods of heavy rain.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is considering a proposal known as sewage blending at the request of wastewater plant operators who have complained that their systems become overwhelmed during heavy rainstorms. Wastewater systems across the country need expensive upgrades to correct overflow problems, but they lack funding. Federal estimates of funding shortfalls range from $9 billion to $12 billion annually.
The Association of Metropolitan Sewerage Agencies supports the policy of blending, saying it prevents untreated sewage from overflowing wastewater systems. The group also said in comments to the EPA that existing regulations allow blending, but that the language needs clarification.
However, Rep. Bart Stupak, D-Mich., said Dec. 2 that he was introducing legislation that would prohibit blending because he believes the practice would damage water quality.
Stupak said he is concerned that the EPA´s proposal, unveiled last year, would allow the release of viruses and parasites into waterways.