(WMOK) Metropolis, IL – Metropolis Mayor, Don Canada told WMOK during a Coffee Break earlier this month that multiple projects that are part of an update on the current Long-Term Control Plan will be beginning soon.  These projects are part of a long-term plan to reduce sewer overflows to the Ohio River, as required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

During dry weather, sewage flows safely through the City’s sewers to the Metropolis sewer treatment plant (STP). However, about 50 times a year melting snow or rainwater can overwhelm the sewers, causing untreated sewage to overflow into the Ohio River.

• Phase 3 of the Water-Sewer Separation project will begin soon with the realignment of sewer mains out to the Woodhaven area of Metropolis. The amount of $18 million dollars for the project was recently approved in a Metropolis City Council Meeting. This will rectify problems in Woodhaven regarding sewer usage.

Mayor Canada discussed the hold on progress at our Industrial Park as it relates to the issue.  Canada said that Phase 1 or the Industrial Park is full of Industry however further development relies on some of the projects that are currently being planned. 

Other upcoming projects:

• Metropolis Waste Treatment Plant is required to be updated by 2030
• Substation on East Side of town will need to be replaced

As of September 1st the City of Metropolis will move to the next phase of the Lead Pipe replacement program.