What is extent of the local CSO problem? Is there degradation of the local ecosystem?
It is difficult to quantify the extent of the local CSO problem and its relationship to degradation on the ecosystem. CSOs are permitted sites that are necessary for preventing health and human safety issues that may result from localized flooding. PWD is spending tens of millions of dollars per year to mitigate, abate, and/or eliminate CSOs. Water quality issues vary, depending on CSO volume and frequency, land use in the drainage area, existing receiving stream water conditions, the stream’s physical dimensions, season, antecedent weather conditions, future weather conditions, impervious percentage, tide cycles, etc. There are also erosion and sedimentation issues within the stream system that may cause habitat problems for fish and macroinvertebrate communities. Aesthetics, odor, and safety issues have also been linked to uncontrolled stormwater runoff.
