Issue for Decision:


The lack of public awareness and engagement in Metro Louisville waterways is making the job of cleaning up our streams and rivers more challenging.



Background Information:


Combined sewer lines (CSLs) have been a threat to the Ohio River watershed, the waterways of Louisville, and Jefferson County, for many decades now. The combined lines themselves aren’t inherently troublesome.  However, the overflow of these combined lines (combined sewer overflows or CSOs) is a problem. Initially, MSD had taken steps to relieve CSOs through interceptor sewer lines – designed to carry sewage to treatment plants before they reach an open waterway.  Currently, MSD is spending over 850 million dollars through their project WIN program.  That being said, much of the problem remains unsolved – because we believe that the public has not been engaged in the problem.

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In light of the CSO problem our group is recommending a plan that has short and long-term implications.  It is our opinion that much of the solution to this problem revolves around public awareness.  The work of Tina Ward-Pugh, councilwoman for the 9th district, has provided a precursor with unlimited opportunity for expansion.  While the green triangle initiative in her district is a step in the right direction – it singularly will not solve the CSO problem.  Likewise, our group is positing the institution of an Ohio River Heritage Festival and increased public service announcements and citywide expansion of the green triangle initiative.  Also, the lack of a centralized center for disseminating information on storm water management and what citizens can do is another problem.



Recommendations:


1. Expand the green triangle work of the 9th district to all council districts
2. Metro Louisville should host an annual Ohio River Heritage Festival
3. Require MSD to join forces with the Louisville Water Company’s proposed Louisville Water Education Center



Background Information:

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The CSO problem arises from the increased flow of storm water into Louisville’s sewers. There are small steps community members can take to reduce the problem: not taking showers or running the dishwasher/washing machine during rainstorms, installing rain barrels, and properly disposing of cooking oil.  However, these simple and short-term solutions will strike an empty chord if awareness isn’t heightened.  The 9th district has been a beacon of success for the community, but it is our opinion that Metro government should take a part in spreading awareness to the rest of the city through public service announcements – TV and radio outlets.  Metrics are always important when discussing issues of this nature. The impact of reducing water from entering our sewers is very measurable.  Moreover, the Green Triangle has already recognized much progress – 36 rain barrels alone have saved 1980 gallons of water from entering storm water sewers.

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Aside from PSAs, the Ohio River Heritage festival would bring people to the river and allow them to take personal stake in the watershed.  The festival would take place on the Waterfront and be a celebration of the rich culture of the Louisville area, in relation to the river.  Moreover, it would be centered on the idea of preserving and restoring the watershed to a pristine state – various booths would convey the message of the green triangle.  While these short-term steps won’t completely solve the problem of CSOs, the more citizens involved equates to a greater reduction of pollutants entering the Ohio River.



The Louisville Water Company has worked with U of L and UK to design a Louisville Water Education Center.  However, their current structure makes no allotment for storm water management.  In relation to the proposed merger of MSD and the Louisville Water Company, it would be fortuitous to combine the public information and outreach efforts of both organizations.  This merger, and consolidation of information, would help citizens better recognize the link between drinking water, water quality in the Ohio River, and recreation.



The aforementioned paragraphs all discuss initiatives that could be implemented within a few years. There are solutions that have a longer time frame.  It is our group’s understanding that Metro government is already considering an infrastructure change– by replacing CSLs with a MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System).  Likewise, it is our opinion that this is the only “complete” solution to the CSO problem.  While initial costs will be high, future benefits will be astronomical – the Ohio River in the Louisville area could actually be safe to swim in. 



By first raising awareness and concern within various communities, we allow our city to moved towards more radical changes – implementing a MS4.  Louisville has been a pioneer in the state of Kentucky in terms of development, and now is not the time to become complacent.

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Closing remarks:

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The city needs to have an expanded and unified approach to engage all of our citizens in the efforts to clean up the Ohio River.