Springfield earns recognition for water quality plan

Springfield was one of 13 communities in the country recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for an integrated planning approach that successfully improved water quality.

The city of Springfield was cited in a report to Congress for the success of its integrated plan. According to the EPA website, an integrated plan is a process that identifies efficiencies from separate wastewater and stormwater programs to best priorities capital improvements to achieve human health and water quality objectives.

City Manager Jason Gage told the Springfield City Council Aug. 23 that the communities have improved water quality through an integrated plan that complies with the federal Water Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2019.

“The city of Springfield, City Utilities and Greene County have collaborated for nearly a decade on the development of Springfield’s integrated plan to protect the region’s natural resources in a way that is effective and affordable,” Gage said.

He thanked Environmental Services Director Errin Kemper and his team for their work on the plan.

“That really sets us apart with our ability to think in a whole perspective as it relates to our environment, to the cleanliness of our streams, to our sewage treatment and all the other services, so it’s a very big honor,” Gage told council.

In a news release, Kemper said the partnership has led the nation in the concept of integrated planning.

“We are continuously refining our analysis, checking the effectiveness of the solutions we develop and reprioritizing when we learn something new,” Kemper said. “The integrated plan ensures we can remain in compliance with regulations while also addressing the specific needs and priorities of our citizens and community.”

The integrated plan allows the partners a holistic view of the regulatory environment, according to Kemper.

“By looking at the ‘big picture’ of environmental compliance, we can provide the greatest environmental benefit in a manner that is affordable to our citizens,” Kemper said.

Examples of investments by the city that have been found to yield the greatest water quality return for the investment are a private sewer repair program, stormwater detention basin modifications, improvements to wastewater treatment plants and programs to better monitor and improve the city’s aging sanitary sewer system.

According to the EPA report, holistic planning with extensive stakeholder engagement is leading to the following benefits for the 13 communities named:

• Faster water quality improvements and health protection;
• More cost-effective and affordable infrastructure investments;
• Consideration of investments that support other community objectives; and
• Innovative long-term solutions that reduce pollution sources rather than just controlling or testing discharges.

Another Missouri community, Columbia, was also among the 13 recognized by the EPA.