Virginia proposes $50 million for Richmond combined sewer overflow project
(UI) - Virginia lawmakers are considering allocating $50 million toward Richmond’s long-running effort to reduce combined sewer overflows (CSOs), a project aimed at limiting untreated sewage discharges into the James River.
The proposed funding, included in the state’s draft budget, represents roughly half of the $100 million the city requested to help meet a state mandate requiring localities east of Charlottesville with combined sewer systems to significantly reduce overflow events. Richmond is targeting a 2035 deadline for completing its CSO program, Radio IQ reported.
Much of Richmond’s sewer infrastructure dates back to the 19th century and still carries both stormwater and wastewater through the same pipes. During heavy rainfall, the system can become overwhelmed, releasing untreated sewage into the James River, Radio IQ reported. The city has already spent an estimated $780 million on sewer upgrades and continues to invest in projects designed to capture and store excess flow during storms.
Current work includes plans for storage tanks and retention basins that will help control overflow events and reduce untreated discharge volumes by an estimated 75 percent annually once the system upgrades are complete. City officials say additional funding will be critical to keeping the project on schedule and minimizing potential increases to wastewater rates for residents.
The James River serves as a drinking water source for nearly three million people and supports a regional recreation economy, making continued investment in sewer infrastructure a key priority for state and local officials.
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