Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) took legal action against the City and County of San Francisco, alleging violations of the Clean Water Act over the past decade. The complaint accuses San Francisco of discharging over 1.8 billion gallons of untreated sewage into creeks, the San Francisco Bay, and the Pacific Ocean, without undergoing disinfection treatment.
EPA highlights the health risks associated with untreated sewage, citing pathogens like E. coli, which pose a threat of severe illness, particularly to vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. Moreover, the discharge of sewage interferes with the intended uses of these water bodies, which include recreational activities and the protection of aquatic life.
Chair of the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board, Alexis Strauss, expressed concerns over the city’s aging wastewater infrastructure, stating that it has jeopardized public safety for too long. In addition to violating state Clean Water Act regulations, the EPA accuses San Francisco of consistently failing to adequately inform the public about these issues.
San Francisco initiated efforts to address its combined sewer overflows back in the 1970s, completing planned controls more than 25 years ago. However, since then, the EPA asserts that the city has neglected significant upgrades or updates to its infrastructure, resulting in continued sewage overflows that fail to meet Clean Water Act standards.
The complaint emphasizes the urgency of upgrading San Francisco’s wastewater infrastructure to minimize sewage overflows and ensure a healthier environment for residents and visitors. Strauss emphasizes the importance of achieving a clean Bay and coastline that can be enjoyed by millions on a daily basis.
