Sewer

Atlanta progresses underground sewer infrastructure project to mitigate flooding

To meet the requirements of an EPA-issued Consent Decree, Atlanta DWM has contracted a multidisciplinary team to design and construct solutions that help control surface water, detain stormwater flows to the combined sewer system, and provide temporary underground storage to protect public health and property.

“Unprecedented” storms stress but don’t break Los Angeles sewer infrastructure

During the recent storms that battered Los Angeles County, floodwater caused temporary overloads to sewers. However, none of these overflows resulted from aging infrastructure or inadequate sewer maintenance.

EPA expands technical assistance program to improve wastewater infrastructure nationwide

To date, the Closing America’s Wastewater Access Gap initiative has helped provide communities with no-cost technical assistance that helps identify affordable options for accessing wastewater infrastructure.

Lowell, Mass., to invest $195 million in sewer upgrades in settlement over water pollution

Lowell, Mass., has settled with the EPA and Massachusetts, agreeing to invest $195 million in sewer upgrades to reduce sewage discharges into the Merrimack River.

Maine governor fast-tracks $50 million infrastructure resilience plan

Governor Janet Mills plans to invest $50 million in the Maine Infrastructure Adaptation Fund to help Maine communities rebuild in the wake of the recent devastating storms and ensure their infrastructure can withstand the impacts of extreme storms in the future.

Washington's Department of Ecology proposes $386 million clean water investment plan

The Department of Ecology in Washington state has proposed $386 million in grants and loans for 134 high-priority clean water projects. These projects aim to upgrade wastewater treatment and sewer systems, manage polluted stormwater, and address nonpoint pollution across the state.

Jackson, Miss. sewer system on the mend under interim manager’s leadership

The report indicated that “significant progress has been made” in bringing the city’s failing sewer system into compliance with federal law, including repairing 90 main breaks in the last quarter of 2023. Additionally, more than 125,000 ft. of sewer line was inspected and repaired.

DEQ awards nearly $270,000 to four drinking water and wastewater systems across Idaho

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has announced the award of $267,500 to four drinking water and wastewater systems to help the facilities evaluate system deficiencies and determine necessary upgrades.

EPA to clean up underground storm sewer system in Michigan

EPA’s cleanup plan involves excavating and removing six manhole vaults and a 2,110-foot segment of concrete pipe along with stone bedding and backfill materials.

Guam Waterworks Authority to invest $400 million in sewer infrastructure following Clean Water Act violations

Sewer system upgrades will include practices to improve climate change resiliency of pump stations and to consider EPA’s Creating Resilient Water Utilities initiative, including the Resilient Strategies Guide for Water Utilities.

Grant Road widening project in Tucson, Ariz., to include extensive sewer, water infrastructure upgrades

The widening of Grant Road involves water main replacement work, sewer main additions, cross roadway box culverts and storm drains, and a large 96-inch diameter culvert for storm runoff mitigation.

Great Lakes consortium receives $15 million to develop advanced wastewater cleanup technology

The National Science Foundation has given a consortium of Great Lakes-area universities and tech companies $15 million to develop ways to extract harmful substances from wastewater.

Pennsylvania's water infrastructure gets boost with $194 million investment

The federal funding supports 28 critical water projects in the state—addressing issues like lead pipe replacement, system rehabilitation, service upgrades, and environmental contamination reduction across drinking water, wastewater and stormwater.

Maryland's ambitious flood mitigation project set to break ground in Ellicott City

The Extended North Tunnel, designed to carry 26,000 gallons of stormwater per second through a mile-long, 18-foot diameter tunnel, is a crucial element in the multimillion-dollar initiative to mitigate flooding in Ellicott City, Maryland.

Advanced Drainage Systems and RMS form strategic alliance for stormwater solutions

This collaboration will drive further advancement of sustainable stormwater solutions throughout the United States and Canada.

EPA to establish National Stormwater Centers of Excellence with $3 million grant program

Once selected, the Stormwater Centers of Excellence will develop and enhance stormwater best practices by conducting research on new and emerging stormwater control infrastructure technologies and alternative funding approaches; providing technical assistance to state, Tribal and local governments; and collaborating with regional institutions.

Swinerton Builders penalized for Clean Water Act stormwater violations

A complaint filed with the settlement alleges that during its construction of solar farms near American Falls, Idaho, Lafayette, Alabama, and Perry and White Counties, Illinois, Swinerton failed to use proper stormwater controls, did not conduct regular site inspections by qualified personnel and did not accurately report and address stormwater issues.

Valdosta, Ga., faces sanitary sewer crisis as 100,000 gallons spill into Withlacoochee River

A sewer line collapse sent 100,000 gallons of sewage into a ditch draining into a river, the city of Valdosta said in a statement on Jan. 12. The incident highlights the pressing need for the city's utility department to address aging infrastructure.

Albemarle, N.C., secures $17 million state funding for water and sewer upgrades

According to WSOC-TV, the city of Albemarle is set to enhance its water systems with a substantial $17 million funding allocation from the North Carolina State budget.

FEMA approves $2.9 million for Fleming Neon, Ky., sewer system repairs

FEMA has approved $2,916,375 for Fleming Neon, in Letcher County, to permanently repair the city’s sewer system, which was damaged by the 2022 Eastern Kentucky Floods.

CIGMAT focuses on challenging research, technology transfer, information sharing

Established in 1984, at the University of Houston, the Center for Innovative Grouting Materials and Technology (CIGMAT) is dedicated to fostering improved understanding of grouting materials and their applications.

EPA, Navajo Tribal Utility agree to $100M wastewater treatment, sewer piping plan

NTUA violated its Clean Water Act permits by regularly discharging wastewater that had not been treated to the required permit standards, and by failing to properly operate and maintain the facilities’ sewer systems to prevent sewage spills.

Illinois American Water invested $32 million in Chicago for water infrastructure rehabilitation

For one local project, Illinois American Water rehabilitated approximately 68 sanitary manholes, 4,000 feet of sewer pipe and 275 public laterals. In addition, 389 service connections were repaired in the Country Club District sanitary area.

Erie's Gannon University awarded over $300,000 for stormwater infrastructure upgrade

Gannon University, in Erie, Penn., is set to bolster its stormwater infrastructure, thanks to a $308,098 grant announced by state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie.

Gainesville, Ga., halts sewer spill into Lake Lanier, addresses issue promptly

The Gainesville Department of Water Resources has successfully intervened to contain a sewage overflow into Lake Lanier

Amherst County advances $3.8 million sewer project design for residential expansion in Virginia

The Amherst County Service Authority (ACSA) is advancing plans for the Gateway Sanitary Sewer Project, a critical utility initiative aimed at supporting a new residential community along Virginia 163 in Madison Heights, near the Virginia 210 intersection

Georgia governor to propose $1.8 billion infrastructure investment, including water, sewer projects

Governor Brian Kemp earlier gave out $442 million in water and sewer grants using federal COVID-19 aid, but officials have said those grants didn’t go as far as many had hoped.

Florida governor allocates $30 million for Caloosahatchee River water quality projects

Governor Ron DeSantis has awarded more than $30 million in state funding to support six water quality projects in the Caloosahatchee River Watershed. These projects will help address excess nutrients, which are known to contribute to increased algal blooms, by investing in wastewater and stormwater infrastructure.

Woolpert secures $5.4 million stormwater management contract in South Carolina

Woolpert will provide services throughout the state related to every aspect of stormwater management, including the development of stormwater quality design standards and specifications, illicit discharge detection and elimination, erosion and sediment control, post-construction water quality, monitoring, and public education.

Massachusetts received over $260 million for water, sewer infrastructure upgrades in 2023

The money couldn’t come soon enough, as the state handles ongoing challenges brought about by water and sewer infrastructure dating over 100 years old.