Stemming the Overflow

"Recent equipment failure puts spotlight on St. Joseph’s problematic sewers"
Originally published on March 19, 2011 in the St. Joseph News-Press
by Clinton Thomas
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Most people prefer not to think about the labyrinth of sewer lines running beneath their home.

When those lines bring a nine-figure bill to the doorstep of customers, the system become too big to ignore.

St. Joseph voters will decide April 5 on a bond issue that could reduce projected costs over the next 20 years. Though sewer customers will pay for the bonds, all St. Joseph voters can weigh in on the issue because residents with septic systems within the city limits are allowed convert to the sewer system if they wish — and if they can afford it.

A recent pump station breakdown drew public attention to the system when it caused more than a million gallons of partially treated wastewater to flow into the Missouri River. Though the equipment failure was rare, sewage flowing untreated into the river is anything but. Just look at the numbers. In 2010, St. Joseph’s combined sewer overflow system carried untreated sewage mixed with stormwater into the Missouri River on 198 separate days. The 2009 tally was 117 days, with 160 in 2008 and 73 in 2007.



Federal, state and local governments know a problem when they see one. A federal mandate and potential fines from state regulators have forced communities like St. Joseph, Kansas City and St. Louis into an expensive repair job.

Reba Hebert stressed the importance of the city’s sewer problem last year during her unsuccessful bid for a city council seat. One year later, she serves on the citizen committee that hopes to convince voters a $105 million price tag represents a bargain.

“The work is going to get done. It’s a matter of how we finance it,” Ms. Hebert said. “It’s up to the voters whether we save money or not.”

The city will use the funds for projects related to a federal mandate that it address its combined sewer overflow issues and to meet new regulations concerning the amount of ammonia and other chemicals it may discharge into the Missouri River.

For review, nearly all sewers west of Belt Highway in St. Joseph are combined systems, which accept wastewater from toilets, sinks and showers, as well as stormwater from rain or melting snow. During periods of “dry flow,” both types of water flow together through the system to the wastewater treatment plant. Nearly every time it rains — or when snow melts — the volume becomes too much for the system to handle, allowing a combination of sewage and stormwater to overflow and travel to any one of the 15 sites where the system discharges into the Missouri River.

Public Works Director Bruce Woody estimated the ratio of sewage to stormwater during overflow periods was about .2 to .3 percent sewage and 99.7 to 99.8 percent stormwater.

Though construction has yet to begin on substantial projects, Mr. Woody said past city councils are not guilty of “passing the buck” to other generations. The previous council, for example, commissioned the long-term control plan that will guide the current group and future councils as they address the problem.

“A lot of people think of a study as something that gets put up on a shelf. That’s not what happened,” Mr. Woody said.

If voters approve the bond, the city will apply to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to participate in its State Revolving Fund (SRF) program, which provides low-interest loans for projects such as the ones planned for St. Joseph. To be eligible, applicants must have a complete facilities plan and voter approval.

Voter approval does not guarantee the city will receive low-interest SRF bonds. If the bond fails, the city cannot apply for the reduced rate and will have to settle for a more expensive bond.

The percentages translate into dollars for sewer customers.

If voters approve the bonds, the city will seek $105 million in SRF bonds to complete its list of projects. If voters reject the bond, the city will pursue lease-purchase bonds worth about $131.5 million. If the measure passes but the city cannot secure SRF bonds, it could receive a small discount with conventional revenue bonds worth about $127.6 million.

In a previous sewer rate study, Black & Veatch estimated the average monthly sewer bill would rise from $22 to $66 in the 20 years it will take the city to implement Phase I of its Combined Sewer Overflow Long-Term Control Plan. With SRF bonds, the city could cut $10 to $15 off the increase.

Committee member Ken Reeder has earned a reputation for opposing local bonds and tax measures. This time the long-time river advocate is on board. However, he fears a bill up for consideration at Monday’s council meeting to put a hotel/motel tax on the ballot in June could jeopardize the sewer bond vote.

“The magnitude of the sewer bond is 100 times more important than the hotel/motel tax, and we need to make sure people see that,” Mr. Reeder said. “It’s a smart vote to vote yes for the bond.”

Clinton Thomas can be reached at clinton.thomas@newspressow.com.