The City of East St. Louis operates a "combined" sewer system that collects raw sewage and stormwater and conveys that water through pipes to a wastewater treatment plant. On May 4, 2022, the City entered into an Administrative Order on Consent (Order) with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Clean Water Act. The Order requires the City to develop the plans that are required under the City's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Permit No. IL0033472 issued September 11, 2019.

The City is mandated to provide accessible information to its residents to fulfill federal and environmental compliance obligations under the EPA’s National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and Long Term Control Plan (LTCP). Public participation is critical for effective community collaboration, decision-making, and resource allocation. This includes hosting public hearings, maintaining an online repository for public comments, and sharing detailed plans and reports that address critical infrastructure and environmental issues. The goals are to educate the public, solicit feedback, and ensure community support as the City implements necessary infrastructure improvements to manage flooding and water pollution.

To view the documents or provide public comments, please click on each document link. Your feedback is valuable and encouraged as part of our commitment to transparency and community engagement.

EPA Documents

1. ESL CSO Operation and Maintenance Plan

The CSO Operational Plan is a detailed strategy for managing and maintaining the City of East St. Louis’s combined sewer system. It focuses on reducing the frequency of combined sewer overflows (CSOs) into the Mississippi River and Frank Holten State Park. The plan includes system descriptions, maintenance schedules, public notification programs, and inspections. Specific measures such as street cleaning, catch basin maintenance, and addressing illegal sewer connections are outlined to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. The document also highlights ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure through redevelopment projects and drainage studies.

CSO Operation and Maintenance Plan - A plan that requires proper operation and regular maintenance programs for the sewer system and the CSOs. It is anticipated that this plan will be completed November 2023.

2. ESL LTCP With Alternatives Analysis

The Long-Term Control Plan (LTCP) provides a comprehensive strategy for reducing CSO events and achieving compliance with the Clean Water Act. It includes a phased approach to system improvements, starting with Phase One (2024-2027). This phase focuses on monitoring CSO locations, implementing public participation programs, exploring storage solutions, and analyzing “smart” sewer technologies. The document evaluates alternatives, such as sewer separation and above-ground storage, to mitigate overflow issues. The LTCP also sets goals for ongoing monitoring, sensitive area assessments, and post-construction evaluations to ensure long-term environmental benefits. 

Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Long Term Control Plan - A plan to assure that the City is maximizing the treatment of sewage and minimizing the impact of untreated sewage that can sometimes overflow into local waters. It is anticipated that this plan will be completed November 2023.

3 . ESL Pollution Prevention Plan - Final

This document outlines the Pollution Prevention Plan (PPP) for the City of East St. Louis to comply with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements. The primary objective of the PPP is to inform and engage residents about combined sewer overflow (CSO) issues. It details methods for public notification, including signage at overflow locations, public meetings, and communication through the city’s website and outreach materials. The PPP emphasizes transparency and collaboration with the community, ensuring they are aware of the impacts and ongoing efforts to address sewer system challenges.

CSO Pollution Prevention Plan - A plan to reduce, to the greatest extent possible, the amount of contaminants that enter a combined sewer system or are discharged to public waters through best management practices. It is anticipated that this plan will be completed May 2023.

4 . ESL Pollution Prevention Plan - Final

This document outlines the Pollution Prevention Plan (PPP) for the City of East St. Louis to comply with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements. The primary objective of the PPP is to inform and engage residents about combined sewer overflow (CSO) issues. It details methods for public notification, including signage at overflow locations, public meetings, and communication through the city’s website and outreach materials. The PPP emphasizes transparency and collaboration with the community, ensuring they are aware of the impacts and ongoing efforts to address sewer system challenges.