EPA recommends some changes at SAM

Sewer Authority Midcoastside (SAM), which operates the Coastside’s sewer system, has receive a report from the Environmental Protection Agency that should be a relief.

Two years ago, when the agency commenced a study of SAM following wet-weather sewage spills,  there was concern that the investigation could lead to large fines or legal action. Instead, the EPA made 14 recommendations for improving the system. SAM Manager Jack Foley says that SAM has already put into effect many of the EPA’s recommendations.  These include a "flusher" truck to inspect lines and remove grease blockages from the system, the completion of the Montara Storm Water Retention System in 2003, and an overflow reduction system in Moss Beach. However, the agency also recommended some large capital improvements that have not yet been made.

The EPA’s report contains a great deal of detail on how the Coastside’s sewers operate, past failures, and improvements that have been made to the system. You can download the report from Coastsider.