CRW presents $450 million proposal to address sewage runoff crisis in Harrisburg, Pa.
(UI) — In a bid to tackle the recurrent problem of sewage discharge into the Susquehanna River, Capital Region Water (CRW) has unveiled a comprehensive $450 million plan, WGAL News 8 reported.
The initiative, presented to the Harrisburg City Council, outlines a strategic approach spanning two decades to mitigate the impact of combined sewer and stormwater systems on water bodies.
Addressing the council, Charlotte Katzenmoyer, CEO of CRW, emphasized the urgency of the situation, highlighting how heavy precipitation events exacerbate the overflow of untreated sewage into the river and Paxton Creek,
"Our infrastructure is undersized and overwhelmed by all the rainwater that runs off of buildings and streets as our city has been built out over the decades," Katzenmoyer told WGAL News 8.
The plan encompasses a series of measures aimed at bolstering the infrastructure's resilience, including repairs, hydraulic upgrades to pumping stations, interceptor pipes, and flow-control mechanisms. Additionally, there's a push for the expansion of green spaces and tree planting to enhance natural water absorption, thereby reducing runoff.
However, the implementation of the plan is expected to necessitate rate increases, albeit with efforts to mitigate the impact on low-income consumers.
While acknowledging that the initiative won't resolve all pollution issues in the Susquehanna River, Katzenmoyer expressed confidence in its contribution to overall water quality enhancement, WGAL News 8 reported.
She stressed the importance of addressing pollution not only for wildlife but also for the well-being of communities reliant on the river for various activities, including drinking, swimming, and recreation.
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