Within MDC’s regional sewage system, Hartford has a combined sanitary and storm sewer system that cannot handle the volume of both rainwater and sewage during heavy rains. As a result, untreated overflow is released into area rivers and streams.

Over the past 10 years, the MDC has spent about $80 million on the first phase of the program to reduce combined sewer overflows. Over the past six months, the MDC, in cooperation with a Citizens Advisory Group and municipal leaders, have been meeting  to develop a strategic facilities plan to reduce the overflows and water pollution. The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, through a consent order to the MDC, will determine the acceptable solutions.

The long-term control plan is being developed by CDM, a consultant hired by the MDC. The Citizen’s Advisory Committee, comprising 23 members from the City of Hartford and the seven other MDC towns, is providing guidance and input. A final plan for this extensive project is scheduled to be submitted to the DEP by December 31, 2004.

The forum will include an informational presentation on the scope of the problem and the possible solutions, followed by a question-and-answer session.

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