Environment DEC
From the August 2007 issue
DEC, Oneida County Sign Order to Stem Mohawk River Pollution
The state has signed off on an enforcement order with Oneida County that will halt the discharge of raw sewage into the Mohawk River while providing the county with the flexibility to allow new hookups to its sewer system, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Regional Director Judy Drabicki and Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente announced recently.
Reducing excess flow to wastewater treatment facilities should buy time to develop an overflow control plan
County to Develop Overflow Control Plan
The Consent Order seeks to address the long-running problem of overflows at the Sauquoit Creek pump station during storms. Under terms of the order, the county must develop a plan to bring overflows under control. It also calls for a time frame for progress to be made, beginning with a set of interim remedial measures that take effect within 180 days. Finally, it obligates the county to pay $150,000 in penalties, which includes $30,000 in environmental benefits projects for the creek.
"This order is needed to stem the discharge of untreated sewage to the Mohawk River, a problem that has been growing for many years," Drabicki said. "DEC staff, regional staff and Oneida County officials have worked hard on this consent order and we feel it establishes a pathway to complying with environmental laws, conserving water resources and protecting public health," added DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis.
The Sauquoit Creek pump station receives sewage from the villages of Clayville, New York Mills, Yorkville, Whitesboro, New Hartford and Oriskany, plus parts of the towns of Paris, Whitestown and New Hartford. Typically during storms, groundwater, roof drainage, sump pump discharges and other sources combine with wastewater to overload the system, causing the pump station to overflow.
The consent order requires Oneida County to enforce existing agreements, or implement new ones with the municipalities, to prevent overflows. These agreements are essential to reducing demand on the pump station while a permanent solution is being developed and implemented. Additionally, the county can allow new hookups to the sewage system, but it must remove at least five gallons of excess flow for every gallon of wastewater added by a new connection. The goal is to undertake immediate actions to reduce the amount of wastewater overflow, while pursuing a permanent solution and not hindering development.
Remedy to Take Several Years
The county is to have a fully developed remedial plan in three years and to complete all associated actions by Oct. 31, 2014.
"DEC will continue to work with industry and municipalities for sustainable development that protects our natural resources. Our commitment to correcting the Sauquoit Creek pump station discharges is an example of this," Drabicki said.
