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City, EPA reach deal on sewer upgrades

The Evansville Water and Sewer Utility has reached an agreement with the EPA on upgrading the city’s sewer system. 

The deal calls for the city to spend $729 million over 24-and-a-half years to reduce combined sewer overflows to no more than four in a typical year.

Much of the city’s sewer system combines storm water and sewage, sending wastewater into the Ohio River, Pigeon Creek, and Bee Slough when it rains.

City officials say they negotiated the massive project down from a cost near $1 billion. But Water and Sewer Utility Director Allen Mounts says it will still require rate increases.

Mounts also says Bee Slough – near the Veterans Memorial Parkway -- would be turned into a wetland.

He says the Bee Slough plan may take 10-to-15 years.