How extensive is the sewer overflow problem in St. Louis?

Sewer overflows are likely the biggest challenge facing MSD today. The District spent more than $1.5 billion between 1992 and 2006 to control discharges from its combined sewer system and to eliminate 312 overflow points – 55 of which were from combined sewers and 257 of which were from separate sewers. Of the $1.5 billion invested, $0.5 billion reduced combined overflows by 33% through treatment plant improvements, “express sewer” creation, and small sewer separations.

Throughout the region, numerous sewer overflow locations remain. There are 199 overflow points that must be addressed in the combined sewer system and about 301 overflows that must be eliminated from the separate sewer system. It is estimated that alone, combined sewer overflows discharge more than 13 billion gallons of mixed wastewater and stormwater into our rivers, streams and creeks annually. Decreasing this will take MSD multiple decades and will cost its ratepayers billions of dollars.

Receiving Stream Locations- as of 6/07	CSO Locations - as of 3/08