Columbia Reaches $750 Million Agreement for Sewer System Upgrades

Columbia has agreed to make extensive improvements to its sanitary sewer system at an estimated cost of $750 million, according to a settlement reached between the city and state and federal agencies.

“This settlement will bring badly needed improvements to Columbia’s aging sewer infrastructure, reduce the dangers of sewage contamination and improve the quality of waterways in historically disadvantaged communities,” Robert G. Dreher, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, said in a release. “It is good news for human health and the environment of South Carolina’s capital city today and for future generations.”

The Department of Justice, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control announced the proposed settlement with the city on Tuesday. The settlement was reach to resolve violations of the Clean Water Act, including unauthorized overflows of untreated raw sewage.

“Sewage overflows are a major problem that affects water quality in the Southeast and across the entire country because of aging infrastructure,” said Acting EPA Regional Administrator Stan Meiburg. “Bringing systems like Columbia’s into compliance is one of EPA’s top enforcement priorities, and through this settlement the city is taking positive steps to correct longstanding sewer overflow problems.”

Columbia will implement a $1 million supplemental environmental project to restore streams, reduce flooding, and improve water quality in segments of Rocky Branch, Smith Branch and Gills Creek, waterways that run through historically low income and minority neighborhoods, according to the release.

The city is required to implement a comprehensive sewer system assessment and rehabilitation program to address the existing problems of raw sewage overflows. This is in addition to infrastructure upgrades already underway or planned by Columbia.

Columbia also agrees to develop and implement specific programs designed to ensure proper management, operation and maintenance of its sewer system over the long-term to prevent future sewer overflows, the release said.

The proposed consent decree is subject to a 30-day public comment period and final court approval, according to a release. A copy is available on the Department of Justice website here.