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Sewer Groups Press EPA To Finalize ´03 Wastewater Blending Policy
By Bruce Geiselman

Jan. 25 -- A coalition of 20 groups representing the interests of local and state governments and sewer agencies has written a letter urging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to finalize its wastewater blending policy proposed on Nov. 7, 2003.
The letter -- signed by groups including the Association of Metropolitan Sewerage Agencies, the National Association of Towns and Townships, the National League of Cities, and the U.S. Conference of Mayors -- accused environmental groups of mischaracterizing the EPA´s blending policy as an "environmental rollback."

In its letter to EPA Administrator Michael Leavitt, the coalition argues that blending is an essential component of local sewer agencies´ strategies for dealing with heavy rains and snowmelt.

"The truth is that the blending policy only allows discharges that fully meet water quality standards set out in a public utility´s [Clean Water Act] permit," the letter states. "Furthermore, blending protects public utility infrastructure and prevents sewer backups into homes and businesses."

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. Blending allows the system operators to mix partially treated wastewater into the discharge to prevent systems from involuntary overflows resulting in the release of raw sewage.

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.

Existing regulations allow blending, but the language needs clarification, according to the Association of Metropolitan Sewerage Agencies.