City of Lakewood Enters into Partial Consent Decree that Adopts Elements of its Integrated Wet Weather Improvement Plan

City Takes Another Significant Step in Long-Term Effort to Protect Local Water and Improve Century-Old Sewer System

The City of Lakewood announced that it had entered into a consent decree with the US EPA that formalizes elements of the City’s Integrated Wet Weather Improvement Plan (IWWIP) adopted in early 2019. The consent decree is the result of years-long effort of the City to holistically address the challenges presented by its antiquated “over-under” design, which leads to the overflow of the sewer system into Lake Erie and the Rocky River during heavy rainfalls.

“Over three years ago, Lakewood became the first community in Ohio to adopt an integrated wet weather improvement plan, which address long-standing issues with our antiquated sewer system,” said Mayor Meghan F. George. “Elements of the IWWIP form the basis for the terms of the consent decree between the City and the US EPA. This is another step that will not only improve the local environment but also protects the ratepayers of Lakewood from exposure to daily fines from the federal government. This is a win-win for everyone involved.”

The consent decree calls for the City to proceed with its planned investment of $86 million in related sewer improvement projects. The City has also agreed to pay a modest civil penalty for this type of case of $100,000. Last year, the City committed $25 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars to its efforts to achieve the IWWIP, which will help address the costs related to the consent decree.

Mayor George noted that elements of the consent decree have already been implemented through the IWWIP, including the completion of a high-rate treatment (HRT) facility which is already providing additional treatment capacity during wet weather.