June 3, 2010
Wednesday’s Water News: Federal Officials Want Chicago River Cleaned Up
In Chicago, Illinois, the problem with sewage has gotten bad enough that the Obama administration has asked the Illinois legislature to clean up the river. The administration demands that the water be “safe enough for swimming”. The effort is expected to cost an estimated 242 million dollars according to the EPA, but The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Chicago estimates costs much higher, at 623 million dollars.
Headlines
City officials in Mobile, Alabama reported overflows in sewage from storms that led to 7,200 gallons to overrun the town and cause the Mobile County Health Department to advise citizens to avoid contact with the sewage.
Sarasota, Florida city officials reported that an estimated 220,000 gallons of sewage spilled from a utility line break, causing 10 to 20 thousands gallons to pour into the Sarasota Bay.
Stimulus Spotlight
Federal funds will target sewage contamination of Esopus Creek in The Village of Saugerties, NY. The total cost is at about 1.4 million dollars to fix the sewage system, of which the stimulus will pay 800,000.
Sewer Rate News
Benson, North Carolina
Ionia, Michigan
China Grove, North Carolina
Madill, Oklahoma
