City of Akron Files Formal Dispute with U.S. EPA over Proposed Fourth Amendment
Ohio Pen/10229985

~ The City of Akron is taking a stand against the U.S. EPA's proposed fourth amendment to the consent decree, which would require the construction of an expensive and unnecessary Enhanced High-Rate Treatment Facility (EHRT) next to the Towpath Trail. Mayor Dan Horrigan announced at a press conference today that the city has begun a formal dispute resolution process with the U.S. EPA, and has suggested alternative projects which would cost less than the EHRT and more significantly improve the quality of local waterways.

"The U.S. EPA and the Department of Justice would like our residents and ratepayers to pay over $200 million to build a facility that would only be used at most three times per year," said Mayor Horrigan. "The benefit of this building is almost non-existent." He went on to explain that after completion of the Northside Interceptor Tunnel, Akron will already be capturing and treating 99% of all wet weather flows, meaning over 2.3 Billion gallons of water which previously went unchecked back into our waterways will now be treated - an environmental feat that comes with a hefty price tag of $1 Billion.

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The city's modeling data shows that if Akron has to build the EHRT, sewer rates would have to be raised 20% more than if they are allowed to move forward without it. To combat this, four alternative projects have been offered which total about a quarter of the cost: reducing discharge to 62 million gallons by treating wastewater at an existing facility; sewering Peninsula in the National Park; conducting studies for sanitary sewer service in Sawyerwood; and addressing sanitary sewer overflows in Springfield Lake from Lakemore. These projects are designed to address persistent bacteria loadings in local waterways from Springfield Lake Outlet all the way to Cuyahoga Valley National Park - something which has not been necessary at OCIT site in 498 days due to its success in improving water quality without EHRT activation.

Mayor Horrigan concluded his statement by imploring citizens to rally together and make their concerns known to U.S EPA Regional Director Michael Regan, as well as visiting www.akronwaterwaysrenewed.com for further information on Akron's consent decree progress - 24 out of 26 projects completed so far with progress being made on 25th project, Northside Interceptor Tunnel - and how they can get involved in this dispute resolution process with U.S EPA over EHRT construction costs for minimal benefit .

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