Richmond projects aim to upgrade sewer system, reduce bacteria flowing into the James River
Apr 3, 2024
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) – Richmond needs to reduce the bacteria flowing into the James River each year by 70% by 2035, an advisor for the city told council members.
Under a sewer overflow cleanup deadline set by the state, Richmond needs to upgrade a sewer system that pushes waste into the river during heavy rainfall – a longtime effort that will cost up to $600 million to finish.
The city has a combined sewer system — with parts over 150 years old — that collects stormwater and wastewater in the same pipe and sends it to the wastewater treatment plant where pathogens and waste are removed before going into the James River.