Senators introduce legislation to monitor sewer overflows

May 4 -- Three Democratic senators from the Northeast have introduced legislation to require sewer plant operators monitor and notify the community of sewer overflows.

Sens. Frank R. Lautenberg, D-N.J., Robert Menendez, D-N.J., and Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I. said the Sewage Overflow Right-To-Know Act of 2009 would reduce human illnesses by informing communities of sewer overflows discharging waste into local waterways within 24 hours.

Plant operators would need to notify the public, public health officials and other affected downstream entities, including drinking water suppliers, of any sewer overflows that endanger human health. They would also be required to notify state or U.S. EPA officials as soon as possible.

Contact Waste & Recycling News senior reporter Bruce Geiselman at 330-865-6172 or bgeiselman@crain.com