When poorly treated sewage is discharged into our
waterways there can be serious consequences for the
entire community. For example:
1 Drinking water supplies are threatened, lead-
ing to health emergencies and the resulting
concern by citizens.
O Local waterways become polluted with germs
and toxic chemicals, rendering them unsafe
for swimming, fishing and boating.
O Community growth and development are
restricted, causing a decline in land values
and erosion of the tax base.
A In some cases, cities find themselves faced
with a cut-off or severe reduction in Federal
funds until sewage problems are corrected.
United Slates
Environmental Protection
Agency
March 1979
OPA 140/8
EPA is charged by Congress to protect the Nation's land, air and water
systems. Under a mandate of national environmental laws focused on air
and water quality, solid waste management and the control of toxic
substances, pesticides, noise and radiation, the Agency strives to formulate
and implement actions which lead to a compatible balance between human
activities and the ability of natural systems to support and nurture life.
Water
If you have suggestions, questions,
or requests for further information, they
may be directed to your nearest
EPA Regional public information office.
EPA Region 1 • JFK
Federal Bldg. • Boston
MA 02203 • Connec
ticut, Maine, Massachu-
setts, New Hampshire,
Rhode Island, Vermont •
617-223-7210
EPA Region 2 • 26
Federal Plaza • New
York NY 10007 • New
Jersey, New York, Puer-
to Rico, Virgin Islands •
212-264-2525
EPA Region 3 • 6th
and Walnut Streets •
Philadelphia PA 19106
• Delaware, Maryland,
Pennsylvania, Virginia,
West Virginia, District of
Columbia • 215-597-9814
EPA Region 4 • 345
Courtland Street NE •
Atlanta GA 30308 •
Alabama, Georgia,
Florida, Mississippi,
North Carolina, South
Carolina, Tennessee,
Kentucky • 404-881-4727
EPA Region 5 • 230 S.
Dearborn • Chicago IL
60604 • Illinois, Indiana,
Ohio, Michigan, Wiscon-
sin, Minnesota •
312-353-2000
EPA Region 6 • 1201
Elm Street • Dallas TX
75270 • Arkansas, Loui-
siana, Oklahoma, Texas,
New Mexico •
214-767-2600
EPA Region 7 • 324
East 11th Street •
Kansas City MO 64106
• Iowa, Kansas,
Missouri, Nebraska •
816-374-5493
EPA Region 8 • 1860
Lincoln Street •
Denver CO 80295* Col-
orado, Utah, Wyoming,
Montana, North Dakota,
South Dakota •
303-837-3895
EPA Region 9 • 215
Fremont Street • San
Francisco CA 94105 •
Arizona, California,
Nevada, Hawaii, Guam,
American Samoa, Trust
Territories of the Pacific
• 415-556-2320
EPA Region 10 • 1200
Sixth Avenue • Seattle
WA 98101 • Alaska,
Idaho, Oregon, Washing-
ton • 206-442-1220
AEPA Maintaining
Clean Water
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Recent studies reveal the startling fact that over half of the nation's wastewater treatment plants are not oper-
ating as well as they should. As a result, inadequately treated sewage is being discharged into streams, rivers
and lakes. The problem, in many cases, is traced to improper operation and maintenance at the treatment
plant. Poor operation and maintenance is often the'result of public apathy and/or neglect. Increased public
interest in well operated treatment plants can be the first step in improving performance.
Here are specific steps you as a city official or concerned citizen can take to help improve the operation and
maintenance of your wastewater treatment plant:
I Learn about the operation — and the prob-
lems — of your local wastewater treatment
plant.
O Determine whether your plant effluent meets
• Federal and state requirements.
O Decide what your needs are.
A Consult a waste treatment specialist in your
local engineering community.
I Use the experience and know-how of engi-
neering consultants, equipment manufac-
turers and suppliers to investigate operational
problems and recommend solutions.
* Examine alternative solutions for improving
your plant O&M.
10
Elliott Bay, Seattle, Washington.
(Compare the cost effectiveness of alterna-
tives.
Insist on qualified managers, skilled operators,
adequate equipment and sufficient operating
funds.
Involve other citizens as well as the business
and civic leaders of your community through
an educational program about your plant.
Write for a list of technical manuals covering
operation, maintenance, staffing and trouble-
shooting of wastewater treatment facilities.
For additional information, write:
Municipal Operation Branch (WH-596)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Washington, D.C. 20460
Left. Treatment plant at Lake Tahoe on the
California-Nevada border. Above. Techni-
cians review procedures at Hinsdale, Il-
linois, treatment plant.
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