Combined Sewer Overflow Elimination Project

Combined Sewer Overflow Elimination Project. , On July 13, 2015, at the intersection of Washington Street and Lafayette Avenue, the last remaining sewage overflow point in an antiquated system of combined sanitary and storm sewers was sealed. With this action, the City of Grand Rapids completed a $400 million investment to eliminate combined sewage overflows (CSO) to the Grand River, while also improving the water quality in the river and reducing localized flooding. , , The CSO project was first outlined in the City's report on Combined Sewer System Study in 1989 and construction began in 1991. The investments included a 30 million gallon retention basin, two stormwater pumping stations, and approximately 120 miles of pipelines, constructed over a six square mile area of the City. Green infrastructure was also extensively implemented and complete neighborhoods were rebuilt. Overflows to the Grand River averaged 10 billion gallons each year prior to the start of this program and are now 0 gallons. , , This plaque commemorates the commitment of City leaders, our residents, rate payers, and City staff, which led to completion of this investment in the water quality of the Grand River four years ahead of schedule. , , 1989 , Elected Officials , Mayor Gerald R. Helmholdt , William Blickley , George Bowman , James Kozak , Lewis A. Meriweather , Linda Samuelson , Sharon Worst , , City Manager , Kurt F. Kimball , , 2015 , Elected Officials , Mayor George Heartwell , Rosalynn Bliss , Walt Gutowski , Ruth E. Kelly , Senita Lenear , Elias Lumpkins, Jr. , Dave Shaffer , , City Manager , Gregory A. Sundstron. , Contributing Elected Officials: Mayor John H. Logie, Eric Williams, Roy Schmidt, M. Scott Bowen, David LaGrand, Richard Tormala, James Jendrasiak, Lynn Rabaut, Robert Dean, and James White. , Contributing City Staff: Tiiu Arrak, John Brom, Judy Bouma, Chris Barfuss, Bill Cole, P.E., Mark DeClercq, P.E., Eric DeLong, Rick DeVries, P.E., Thomas Ecklund, Randall Fisher, Bernard Gumbis, John Hayes, Dianette Hight, Jack Hornbach, P.E., Tracy Hover, Wayne Jernberg, P.E., Karl Koster, P.E., Mike Lunn, Jeff McCaul, P.E., Charles Schroeder, P.E., Darryl Smith, Robert Spry, P.E., Joellen Thompson, P.E., Vaughn Umphrey, Robert White , , Plaque donated by CSO consultant team of Black and Veatch, Fishbeck Thompson Carr and Huber, and Materials Testing Consultants