Federal regulators have approved the city of San Diego’s short-term plan to upgrade its sewer system so that it complies with the Clean Water Act, it was announced today.
Over the next year, the city is required to make $82 million worth of improvements to its wastewater collection system while the city, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, San Diego Coastkeeper and the Surfrider Foundation hammer out a permanent settlement, the EPA said. The final agreement will likely include plans to build new sewer lines and pump stations currently postponed by the city’s inability to borrow money on the public bond markets.
In the interim, the city will continue its inspection and maintenance of the wastewater collection system; clean, repair and replace the system; and continue its grease and tree root control programs. The San Diego City Council signed off on the placeholder agreement in June.
The pending agreement is subject to a 30-day public comment period before a federal judge can approve it.