1. Small Community Considerations and Case Studies
Steve John Agricultural Watershed Institute
Talked about characterization and modeling. The next step is to put this information and the modeling tools to work to evaluate CSO controls.

2. CSOs and Watersheds

3. EPA CSO Control Policy Provisions
Sec. I.B
States are encouraged to use watershed approach to control of CSOs and other pollution sources
Sec. II.C.4.b
LTCP demonstration approach must address other sources impacting water uses
Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

4. Traditional Planning Approach
Main focus on point sources
Technology-based controls
If WQS not met, tighten controls
Made progress toward clean water
Relatively simple to administer BUT…
Fairness & effectiveness limited
Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

5. Small Community Considerations and Case Studies
Watershed Approach
Focus on the water body
All pollution sources addressed
All stakeholders involved
Necessary to achieve further progress toward WQ goals
Clear goals & greater equity BUT…
Means to reach goals not always available
Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

6. Small Community Considerations and Case Studies
Small City – Big River
Many stakeholders
Consider forming coalitions to represent small communities
Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

7. Small City – Small Stream
Relatively few stakeholders
CSO plan may be catalyst for watershed plan
Capisic Brook Portland, ME
Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

8. Small Community Considerations and Case Studies
It’s a dilemma… for small cities in watersheds with many pollution sources
On the one hand…
The presence of other pollution sources is not an excuse to do nothing.
On the other hand…
The public is unlikely to support expensive projects that do not produce real water quality improvement.
Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

9. So what is the small CSO city to do?
Accept responsibility for dealing with the impacts of its overflows
Negotiate in good faith to use the flexibility built into the CSO policy
Cooperate with regulators and other stakeholders to formulate and carry out a broad vision for long-term improvement of the receiving waters
Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

10. CSOs and Greenways Deep thought…
“Multiple benefit opportunities” (MBOs) along receiving waters and adjacent lands can greatly increase public acceptance with minimal cost increases.
Think beyond what is required
to envision what is possible.
Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

11. Remember the BIG QUESTION…
What are you buying with your ratepayers’ money?
MBOs are not explicitly mentioned in the CSO policy but local officials should consider the possibilities for “value-added” elements in CSO control plans.
Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

12. First, waterfront improvement; then, CSO control…
Lock 2 Park
Akron, OH
Brush Creek
Kansas City, MO
Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

13. Small Community Considerations and Case Studies
Uniontown, PA
Unique historic depot structure…
overlooking a
CSO outfall
Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

14. First, CSO control; then, waterfront improvement…
Chicago, IL
Decatur, IL
Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

15. Small Community Considerations and Case Studies
The Chicago River
Long dismissed as Lake Michigan’s ugly cousin – the city’s embarrassment…
Quietly, almost secretly, the river has made its comeback, thanks in large part to the Deep Tunnel Project.
The river has become so attractive that it’s now a major selling point for new housing.
A River Reborn, Chicago Tribune, 8/95
Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

16. Small Community Considerations and Case Studies
A River Reborn
Canoeists, motorboats, jet skis and tour boats ply its waters
Fish are being caught, and some day may even be safe enough to eat
The foul smells are gone
Land is being cleared for new development
Source: Chicago Tribune
Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

17. Decatur, IL CSO control facilities in an urban greenway
Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

18. Sangamon Valley below Lake Decatur Land Use and CSO Facilities18
Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

19. Small Community Considerations and Case Studies
Sanitary District of Decatur Typical Process Diagram for Satellite CSO Treatment Facilities 19
Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

20. Lincoln Park CSO Facility
Aerial view
View from Greenwood Cemetery 20
Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

21. Sangamon River Greenway21
Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

22. Small Community Considerations and Case Studies
If we had it to do over…
Trails along sewer route linked to neighborhoods
More attention to landscaping & aesthetics
Improved river access
Wetlands for habitat & effluent polishing?
Stream habitat restoration
Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

23. Integrating waterfront improvement and CSO control
Portland, OR
Portland, ME
Lima, OH
Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

24. Portland, OR: “Community Benefit Opportunities”
Adopted local guidelines for evaluating and financing CBOs associated with CSO plan
Public input to identify CBOs
Identify early in CSO planning process
Council reviews as planning proceeds
Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

25. Portland, OR: Funding of CBOs
If part of “ordinary and necessary” CSO project construction …
Use city sewer funds
If not …
Fund by partnership of City with other public or private partners.
Use sewer funds as catalyst to attract public or private investment.
Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

26. From NIMBY to WIMBY* Outcome of CBO concept in Portland
Public acceptance / support for CSO construction
Built two satellite facilities instead of one because residents wanted facilities in their neighborhood!!!
* Welcome in My Back Yard
Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

27. Portland, ME Capisic Brook Study
Primary goal – mandated:
Improve water quality by eliminating CSOs and reducing NPS discharges
Additional goals – not mandated:
Enhance wildlife habitat
Control flooding
Recreational opportunities
Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

28. Small Community Considerations and Case Studies
Capisic Brook
Pond spillway
Next to CSO outfall 28
Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

29. Integrated Plan for Capisic Brook
Includes:
Flood control
CSO control
NPS control (stormwater ponds)
Erosion control
Environmental enhancement (wetlands)
Recreational opportunities (bike paths, trails)
Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

30. Lima, OH Ottawa River Corridor Plan
Multi-use river walkway
Regraded, landscaped river banks
Water-oriented recreation
“Water cascades” in river
Greenway improvements to be coordinated with CSO controls including near-surface storage in riverfront parks
Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

31. Ottawa River Corridor Plan31
Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

32. Small Community Considerations and Case Studies
CSO project – recreational facility: Basketball courts over CSO storage tank
Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

33. Small Community Considerations and Case Studies
CSO project – aesthetic design: Landscaped CSO storage in highway corridor
Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

34. CSO project – river connection: Columbus GA River Walk
Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

35. Deep thought… Streams and their valleys are special places.
It is up to us to treat them with care.
Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

36. Why ARE you spending your ratepayers’ money?
What are you getting for it?
Small Community Considerations and Case Studies