When did WSSC begin sewer overflow (SSO) discussions?
WSSC began discussions with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in spring 2002 on the occurrence of sanitary sewer overflow (SSOs) in WSSC’s wastewater collection system. Discussions focused on developing a comprehensive wastewater collection improvement plan to dramatically minimize, and eliminate where possible, future SSOs. Natural Resources Defense Council, Anacostia Watershed Society, Audubon Naturalist Society and Friends of Sligo Creek served WSSC with a notice of intent to sue for violations of the Clean Water Act in September 2004, prompting DOJ to file suit on behalf of EPA in November 2004.
