Federal judge approves plan to overhaul KC sewer system over 25 years

A federal judge cleared the way Monday for Kansas City's plan to overhaul its sewers, the largest public works project in city history.

U.S. District Judge Gary Fenner signed the consent decree, which was reached several months ago between the city, U.S. Justice Department and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. That agreement requires the city to implement a $2.5 billion plan over 25 years, eliminate most overflows of untreated raw sewage and reduce pollution levels in urban storm water.

The judge's order culminates nearly a decade of discussions between the city and environmental regulators. It gives Kansas City more time than other cities have been allotted to complete the work, which also spreads the cost over a longer period and provides relief from large sewer rate increases.

"It allows us to remove the uncertainty," acting City Manager Troy Schulte said. "And, more important, it allows us to move forward with fixing the sewer system."

The plan paves the way for repairing or replacing much of the city's aging and decaying sewer infrastructure. It prioritizes neighborhood sewer rehabilitation in the urban core to reduce basement and other sewer backups. It also calls for using rain gardens and permeable pavement.

Under the agreement, the city will pay a federal civil penalty of $600,000 for violating state and federal clean-water laws.

To reach Lynn Horsley, call 816-234-4317 or send e-mail to lhorsley@kcstar.com.

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