[IMAGE: A picture of raw sewage in a residential area]
The City of Cahokia Heights, Illinois, has been fined $30,000 for its improper operation of its sanitary sewer system. The Justice Department, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the State of Illinois announced a settlement with the city, resolving violations of the federal Clean Water Act and the Illinois Environmental Protection Act.
According to the complaint, on more than 300 occasions since November 2019, Cahokia Heights discharged sanitary sewage from an overflow point in its sewer system to nearby waterways in violation of section 301 of the Clean Water Act. The city also discharged untreated sewage from other locations throughout the community, including into ditches, roads, yards, and homes.
Sanitary sewer overflows can damage property and harm water quality when they enter waterbodies. Discharges of raw sewage, or sanitary sewer overflows, also carry bacteria, viruses, and other harmful organisms.
The settlement requires Cahokia Heights to pay a $30,000 civil penalty and implement an estimated $30 million in extensive compliance measures. The city will conduct more than 80 near-term capital improvement projects, such as constructing an interceptor to reroute wastewater flow, system-wide repairs, and various investigations and assessments.
The city is also required to keep the community informed about the work, have plans in place for emergencies, and update its operations, such as creating digital maps and monitoring systems. This settlement is a significant step forward in addressing the historic infrastructure issues in Cahokia Heights.
The City of Cahokia Heights is responsible for operating its sewer system in compliance with the Clean Water Act and protecting human health and the environment in the community.
The Justice Department, EPA, and the State of Illinois are committed to advancing environmental justice and ensuring that communities like Cahokia Heights have access to clean water and a healthy environment.
Key Facts
- State: Illinois
- Category: Public Corruption|White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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