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What is Project Clean Rivers?
Project Clean Rivers is an umbrella title of the various
programs and services DOSD provides to achieve clean
water goals. The entire community and our aquatic
wildlife will benefit from Project Clean Rivers. We all
depend on clean water.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
The
Wet Weather Management Plan (WWMP) was delivered to
the Ohio EPA on July 1, 2005. This plan
includes the System Evaluation and Capacity
Assurance Plan (SECAP) and the Combined Sewer
Overflow Long Term Control Plan (LTCP),
both required by consent orders Columbus signed in
2002 and 2004 with the State of Ohio. Large-scale
capital improvements will be designed from this
plan, expected to cost 2.5 billion dollars over the
next 40 years. The improvements will be in
addition to other projects already underway and
planned, such as rehabilitation of older sewers and
continual upgrades at the wastewater treatment
plants.
For more information
on the Wet Weather Management Plan, please
review our brochure or
fact sheet. To review the 22-binder
Wet Weather Management Plan, please call 645-7176 to
make an appointment, or it can also be viewed at the
downtown Columbus Metropolitan Library on Grant Ave.
Or purchase a c.d. set of the plan for $2 at the
Division of Sewerage and Drainage Permit Desk at 910
Dublin Rd. (third floor).
BIG WALNUT AUGMENTATION/RICKENBACKER INTERCEPTOR
BWARI is an estimated $220 million sewer tunneling
capital improvement project that will greatly reduce
wet weather sewer overflows on the Scioto River at
the Southerly Wastewater Treatment Plant by
providing in-pipe storage. Construction of this
deep tunnel, which is currently underway, will also
provide additional downstream capacity needed for
future improvements along Columbus' east side. More
information is available on the
BWARI web page.
I/I Studies
& Rehabilitation
I/I (inflow and infiltration)
studies are conducted across the city to locate
sources of stormwater and groundwater that enter the
sewer system in various ways, typically in older
neighborhoods. Older sewers are
being rehabilitated through
trenchless technology, such as
cured-in-place piping methods. The process helps
seal out excess water that contributes to sewer
backups and overflows and reinforces the structural
integrity of the sewer, preventing collapse.
CAPACITY, MANAGEMENT,
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAM
"CMOM"
is an industry term referring to the proper
capacity, management, operation and maintenance of a
sewer system. This program will help reduce
sewer overflows by operating the system at optimal
performance levels.
Industrial Waste Pretreatment program
The Industrial Waste Pretreatment Section monitors local
industrial users who discharge wastewater to ensure
compliance with clean water goals.
Approximately 3000 samples are gathered per year to
monitor over 100 permitted industries. Staff also
oversee the Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) Control program.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
The division's Stormwater Management Section plays a
key role in protecting water quality through its
programs. That role includes updating
of development policies on stormwater management,
best management practices, and a sediment and
erosion control program for construction sites.
WATER QUALITY
MONITORING
DOSD staff test for pollutants in various waterways
and in the effluent discharged from the wastewater
treatment plants. The division's Surveillance
Laboratory tests over 50,000 parameters per year to
support the plants' compliance with clean water
regulations and the Industrial Waste Pre-Treatment
program. As part of the Wet Weather Management Plan,
an extensive
Characterization Report was conducted on various
waterways to predict the impact of various
alternatives considered.
"We All Live
Downstream"
This non-point source water pollution
public education program
includes the
"No Dumping, Drains to Rivers" storm drain marking
project, print literature, a phone hotline and
public service announcements. The program
emphasizes the connection of daily activities
to water pollution. View Our Public Service Announcement.
(large file)
Central Ohio River Pride
This regional watershed clean-up in observance
of the National River Cleanup Week is
coordinated and promoted by DOSD's public
information office. This is a great way for
residents to get involved in protecting their
waterways.
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
Following
a series of Public Advisory Group sessions that were
held from 2003- 2004, three public meetings were held in
2004 - 2005 at the Public Utilities Complex.
Various other public presentations were provided at City
Council Public Utilities Committee meetings where the
public could provide input. Presentations were also
made to various civic associations and area
commissions.
Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce Study
The Wet Weather Management Plan will invest $2.5 billion
over the next 40 years for sewer infrastructure
improvements that will make our waterways cleaner and
our city healthier for all. During the next 40 years,
the city also will continue to improve existing sewers
in a driving park, Clintonville and many other Columbus
neighborhoods. The total investment for these
improvements on top of the Wet Weather Management Plan
will be $5.4 billion.
But the investment will reap economic benefits for
Columbus residents. The Department of Public Utilities
asked the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce to
determine the extent of these economic benefits. This
independent third party study by the Chamber found the
city will receive more than two dollars back for every
one dollars invested, resulting in an average of 2,900
jobs annually.
View the Economic Impact of City of
Columbus Wet Weather Management Plan
(PDF)
AFFORDABILITY ANALYSIS
An affordability
analysis was conducted by a city consultant to determine
the community's ability to pay for the Wet Weather
Management Plan capital improvement projects.
The final
Affordability Analysis report, included in the plan, is
available at this link.
For more information on Project Clean
Rivers please e-mail
DOSD or call
(614) 645-7175. |
