ATLANTA, GA, May 26, 2015 -- As required under a 2005 consent decree, the Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB) of Tennessee has completed a combination of sewer replacement, rehabilitation and ongoing maintenance work with two supplemental environmental projects (SEPs) throughout Knoxville and Knox County.
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) and the Tennessee Clean Water Network were co-plaintiffs with the United States in the case and resulting consent decree against KUB. Compliance with the requirements of the decree demonstrates the Board's continued commitment to the protection of public health and the environment.
The goals of the program are to eliminate sanitary sewer overflows and maintain compliance with its Clean Water Act permits. Through the endeavor, KUB has completed 134 projects, replacing and rehabilitating over 275 miles of sewer lines and 6,971 manholes; building six storage tanks; constructing the first phase of two wastewater treatment plant projects; and implementing its management, operation and maintenance program.
KUB also completed two SEPs. The first was a lateral repair financial assistance program. KUB obligated over $2 million for the repair and replacement of residential private laterals and removal of illicit connections for eligible residential property owners.
Through the second project, KUB provided funds to the Tennessee Clean Water Network (TCWN) to create the Williams Creek Urban Forest. TCWN purchased 21 subdivided undeveloped forested parcels along the creek totaling about five acres, and the City of Knoxville added them to its parks system.
KUB has submitted over 100 reports and updates to the EPA and TDEC as it works to bring its sewer system up to federal and state standards. Further, the Board has until June 30, 2016, to complete all covered collection system improvements. All required treatment plant upgrades must be completed by June 30, 2021.
See also:
"Smart grid technology part of Knoxville Utilities infrastructure upgrades"
"Knoxville Utilities Board upgrades GIS solution to support water, public services"
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