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Date: 10/17/2023
HOLYOKE — In a significant development, a new federal court judgment has drastically reduced Holyoke’s sewer construction expenses, lightening the city’s financial burden and bolstering its environmental conservation initiatives.
On Oct. 3, Mayor Joshua Garcia announced that costs have been slashed from the initially proposed $170 million to a revised $35 million, which will be allocated through 2035.
“This was a true team effort that allowed the city to make its case to the federal and state governments effectively,” Garcia remarked, acknowledging the city’s strides in curtailing raw sewage discharge into the Connecticut River.
“The over $100 million in capital cost reductions is a major financial achievement that will save ratepayers from the huge sewer increases such additional costs would require,” the mayor added.
Recent advancements in Holyoke’s sewer system have led to a 70% reduction in solid waste bypassing the treatment facility during heavy rainfalls.
Garcia emphasized two forthcoming projects at River Terrace and Springdale, which aim to push this reduction level to an impressive 85%. Once achieved, this will ensure the city’s full compliance with national Clean Water Act requirements.
The Holyoke City Council has sanctioned an estimated $10.5 million bonding to commence the River Terrace A project. The project will be executed in two stages, parts A and B.
Garcia was optimistic about additional federal grants potentially trimming the cost by $2 million to $4 million. He added, “All borrowing will be set at a 2% interest rate.”
The mayor noted substantial savings for the city and its residents. “The over $100 million in capital cost reductions is a major financial achievement that will save ratepayers from the huge sewer increases such additional costs would require,” Garcia stated.
Once facing millions in fines and penalties, the new violation amount dropped to $50,000.
The U.S. District Court in Massachusetts verified the approval of the consent decree, which mandates Holyoke to minimize future sewage discharges into the Connecticut River.
In 2019, the U.S. Justice Department and the Massachusetts Attorney General entered a partial consent decree whereby Holyoke agreed to develop a long-term plan for reducing sewer discharges.
“The consent decree approved by the court on Aug. 31, 2023, represents the parties’ final plan for Holyoke to reduce sewer discharges and supersedes the prior decree,” the federal court’s statement read.
The decision followed enforcement actions initiated by the Department of Justice on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office in support of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.
Under this agreement, Holyoke will undergo further sewer separation tasks to reduce combined sewer overflows — a concerning source of water pollution. The stipulated penalty for past infringements due to CSO discharges has been set at $50,000.
The city has committed to the following actions:
Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy praised Holyoke’s efforts and collaboration, stating, “Protecting our precious waterways from dangerous pollutants is a vital part of the department’s work.”
Levy commended Holyoke for its ongoing work safeguarding the Connecticut River’s future.
EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash remarked, “It’s a significant priority for EPA to help ensure that all our citizens can enjoy a clean and healthy environment.”
Cash also praised the settlement’s potential to foster a healthier environment for Holyoke residents, including those in historically disadvantaged communities.
State Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell further commended the city and reiterated her office’s dedication to combatting environmental injustices.
“My office is committed to creating healthier, safer communities across Massachusetts by fighting environmental injustices like contaminated water, and we appreciate the city of Holyoke’s parallel commitment to these important efforts,” Campbell said.
Holyoke’s sewer system serves nearly 70% of the city. It faces challenges during heavy rains when wastewater volume surpasses the system’s capacity, leading to untreated discharge or raw sewage into the Connecticut River.
The new measures aims to alleviate the concerns and move Holyoke towards a cleaner, more environmentally responsible future.