In response to concerns brought by the Haw River Assembly and Cape Fear River Watch, the City of Burlington agreed this week to take specific steps to improve its wastewater collection system. The two river protection groups had threatened to sue to correct ongoing violations of the Clean Water Act.
Under the agreement, the groups agreed to withdraw the threat of legal action. In return, the City has promised to clean 20% of its sewer lines over the next three years. It also agreed to notify the conservation groups soon after a sewage spill. Other provisions include evaluating its Fats, Oils, and Grease program and completing projects designed to limit sewage spills. The City is also required to make payments if it doesn't meet these requirements.
The legal action was prompted by a 3.5 million gallon raw sewage spill into the Haw River in January.
300x250 Ad
300x250 Ad