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.   Click here to 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.