EPA, Chattanooga in sewage agreement

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says it's reached an agreement with the city of Chattanooga, Tenn., on overflows of untreated raw sewage. Chattanooga has agreed to pay a $476,400 civil penalty and make improvements to its sewer systems, estimated by the city at $250 million, to eliminate such unauthorized overflows, a Department of Justice release said Tuesday. Chattanooga will also implement a green infrastructure plan and perform an $800,000 stream restoration project, the Justice Department said. "Chattanooga residents will enjoy public health and environmental benefits for years to come as a result of the improvements required by this settlement agreement," said Ignacia S. Moreno, Assistant Attorney General for the department's Environment and Natural Resources Division. The agreement will require Chattanooga to assess and rehabilitate its entire sewer collection system to eliminate overflows of untreated raw sewage, officials said. "Sewage overflows are a significant problem affecting water quality and, ultimately, the health of our communities across the Southeast," said Gwen Keyes Fleming, EPA Region 4 Administrator. "The Chattanooga community will benefit from improved water quality and a cleaner, healthier environment as a result of this settlement."