[Archived] Alexandria Seeks Applicants for Ad Hoc Combined Sewer System Plan Stakeholder Group

For Immediate Release: July 3, 2017

The City of Alexandria is seeking applicants by July 31 for appointment to the Ad Hoc Combined Sewer System Plan Stakeholder Group. On June 13, Alexandria City Council approved a resolution to reconvene the Stakeholder Group to assist in monitoring the development of the Long Term Control Plan Update for the City’s combined sewer system.

The Stakeholder Group will provide input on a final recommended plan to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VDEQ), including considerations on the City’s costs, meeting environmental goals, and minimizing impact on the community.

The Stakeholder Group is anticipated to meet monthly on an ad hoc basis, with the schedule to be determined at an initial meeting slated for September.

The Stakeholder Group will consist of 14 members appointed by the City Manager. Of these positions, the City seeks applicants to fill five seats:

• One member who is a resident of Bridgeyard or Porto Vecchio;
• One member who is a resident of Tobacco Quay, Oronoco Waterfront Residences, or Rivergate Townhomes;
• Two at-large  members with  engineering, environmental, public finance or related knowledge and experience; and
• One member who is nominated by a local environmental advocacy group.

The Long Term Control Plan Update is required by VDEQ to meet new permit requirements. In August 2016, the City submitted a draft plan update to VDEQ for approval, and the final document was submitted in December 2016.  A new state law now requires the City to revise the Long Term Control Plan Update to reflect the completion of the combined sewer system mitigation project by July 1, 2025.  The Stakeholder Group is being reconvened to assist City staff as it modifies the Long Term Control Plan Update to meet the new law

The City has dramatically accelerated existing projects to remediate its four combined sewer outfalls. All four outfalls already operate under state permits and comply with all federal and state laws, regulations, and permit requirements, including the federal Clean Water Act.

For details about the Stakeholder Group (including application information) and the City’s combined sewer system, visit www.alexandriava.gov/CleanWaterways.

For media inquiries, contact Craig T. Fifer, Director of Communications and Public Information, at craig.fifer@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3965.