During a recent rainstorm, Holyoke, Massachusetts, faced a major issue with its old sewer system. In just five minutes, the storm caused the city’s pipes to release around 7 million gallons of mostly stormwater mixed with some sewage into the Connecticut River. This incident led to shocking footage that showed sewage floating down the river, sparking concern and discussions on social media.
Two Connecticut state representatives even reached out to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for solutions on a long-standing problem: combined sewer overflows (CSOs). These overflows happen when heavy rain overwhelms older sewer systems that collect both stormwater and sewage.
Mary Monahan, Holyoke’s interim public works director, explained that while the discharge mostly consists of stormwater, it’s still not ideal. She emphasized that such incidents highlight the urgent need for upgrades to aging infrastructure, particularly as climate change brings stronger and more frequent storms.
CSOs and Climate Change
The connection between CSOs and climate changes is becoming clearer. Data shows that heavy rainfall events are becoming more intense due to shifting weather patterns. For example, on July 27, Holyoke’s typical flow of sewage surged from 6 million gallons to 327 million gallons in just five minutes due to torrential rains.
Experts like Nisha Patel from Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection noted that while the majority of what spills over during these events is rainwater, the implications for public health and the environment are concerning. In 2024 alone, Massachusetts released approximately 2.8 billion gallons of combined sewage, while Connecticut faced its own challenges with 1.2 billion gallons.
A Legacy of Combined Sewers
Historically, many cities adopted the idea of a single-pipe system in the 1800s. This system was simpler at the time but now proves problematic during heavy rainfall. Only a few cities in Connecticut still use combined sewer systems—Bridgeport, New Haven, Hartford, and Norwich. In Massachusetts, the report mentions 19 municipalities that also rely on this outdated system.
In recent years, Connecticut has invested over $5.4 billion to improve its infrastructure, reducing its cities with combined sewer systems from 13 to just four. However, updating the remaining cities is a daunting task that may take decades.
Community and Political Response
The public’s reaction to the recent spill has pushed politicians to demand answers about necessary upgrades. Zawistowski and Carney’s letter to the EPA exemplifies the community’s frustration and urgency for solutions. While the EPA has acknowledged the work being done to reduce CSO discharges, it’s clear that further improvements are needed.
Patel highlighted that without CSO systems, neighborhoods could face sewage backups during rainy days. This significant risk underscores why upgrading these systems is essential.
Conclusion
As climate change continues to impact weather patterns and intensify storms, cities grappling with aging sewer infrastructure must take action. Balancing urgent community health needs with long-term infrastructure upgrades is crucial. It’s a complex issue that requires collaboration among local leaders, state agencies, and federal bodies.
For more details, check the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s annual report and Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s survey overview.
