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What do we need to do to improve our sewer and stormwater system? Q. What do we need to do to improve our sewer and stormwater system? A. For the combined sewer system and sewer overflow projects, we need millions of dollars in capital revenue over the next ten years. Our capital needs include:
Q. Why do we have combined sewage spilling into our streams? A. Terre Haute’s sewer system is old and cannot handle the amounts of stormwater that flow through it during storm events. This system was built over 100 years ago, before wastewater treatment plants existed. It was common in many U.S. cities, especially in the Northeast and Midwest, to connect their sanitary lines to the existing storm sewers. As a result, now any time we get as much as a quarter inch of rain, combined sewage flows into the Wabash River through our combined sewer overflows (CSO). If CSO’s didn’t exist, combined sewage would back up into people’s basements and streets. Q. Why were our sewers built this way? A. In the late 1800’s, Terre Haute built a sewer system to carry rainwater and melting snow away from homes, businesses, and streets. When indoor plumbing came later, people hooked their sewage lines to the storm sewers, combining stormwater and sewage in one pipe. Q. What are the harmful effects of combined sewage overflows? A. Combined raw sewage in our streams is a health hazard due to increased levels of bacteria, including E. coli, present in the river. It also smells and looks disgusting, hurts our environment, and harms the quality of life in our neighborhoods. Q. How can we reduce combined sewage overflows to the Wabash River? A. The City is completing a long-term plan to reduce sewer overflows over the next 20 years. It will:
Q. What benefits will we receive for our money? A. The Wabash River will be a cleaner, safer place for residents of Terre Haute and aquatic life in the river, especially around Fairbanks Park where many community events take place. These improvements will also help prevent sinkholes in roads due to collapsed sewers, prevent backups into basements and streets, and allow for better flow to the wastewater treatment plant. Q. I don’t fish or swim in the Wabash River. How does this rate increase benefit me? A. In addition to our long-term plan to reduce sewer overflows, we must upgrade our treatment plant and rehabilitate any older sewers which may be causing problems within the City. These improvements will fix many problems the City currently faces: sinkholes, ponding water, and unpleasant odors being a few. Q. Why are we trying to make the Wabash River swimmable? No one swims in the river. A. Our goal is not to make the Wabash River swimmable 100 percent of the time. A few large storms will cause overflows even after the new facilities are built. Our plan is the most cost-effective way to meet federal requirements and at the same time protect public health. Q. How will these projects benefit local businesses? A. Whenever possible, locally owned and operated businesses will participate in the work. When local businesses benefit, other local companies that serve those businesses and their employees will also benefit. This will allow Terre Haute to continue to grow and attract new business opportunities. Additionally, a healthy infrastructure attracts new businesses and residents, causing the City to grow and expand. With the new improvements, the wastewater treatment facility will also be equipped to handle greater flows, leaving room for the City to grow. Q. What is happening with other cities on the Wabash River who have sewage overflows? A. Every city that outlets their combined sewage into the river is either working now, or will be working to reduce or eliminate their CSO’s. As more communities begin to implement their long-term control plans, the condition of the Wabash River will greatly improve. Q. How can I help improve water quality? A. Improving our environment and our neighborhoods is a large job, and everyone can help. Some things you can do to help:
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