Our group is excited to have opportunities to reduce the amount of storm water that goes into our sewer system. We are highlighting areas that used to have streams, but the steams have been directed into pipes that lead to sewer pipes. By separating the two and allowing natural flow to bigger streams we can reduce sewer overflows and improve local water quality. We work with the sewer district, EPA and storm water districts to bring this about. We are also working with the sewer district to get incentives that will encourage property owners to manager their own storm water instead of allowing it to pollute our rivers.

We work with geographic information, supportive politicians, residents affected by sewage backups onto their property who are eager for a better solution. This effort involves working with communities, Parks Departments, and other non-profits.

Early on our efforts to get the sewer district to daylight a stream called Lick Run, removed millions of gallons of sewer overflows, by allowing the storm water to run into a restored stream function. This effort, although the sewer district did not go as far as we wanted ecologically, has also saved money over the sewer districts approach and improved the local environmental justice community by creating a park along the stream.

We think there are more effective opportunities to engage the agencies and encourage them to find the funds that will clean up our rivers.

We can provide background information and various skill areas are needed including some community organizing, convincing agency personnel and politicians to agree with our suggestions and help make it happen.

Hamilton County has one of the largest volumes of sewer overflows in the country, so making a difference, makes a big impact!

If interested, email marilynMwall@gmail.com for more information