Do sanitary sewer system agencies have to report all SSOs?

Sanitary sewer overflow (SSO) reporting is a crucial aspect of maintaining environmental health and public safety. Agencies operating sanitary sewer systems are required to report all SSOs as part of regulatory compliance and to promote transparency regarding the management of sewage overflows.

Reporting all SSOs allows agencies to monitor the frequency and severity of these events, which can have significant public health implications if untreated sewage is released into the environment. The data collected is also essential for improving system infrastructure, addressing maintenance issues, and implementing preventative measures to reduce future SSOs.

Additionally, the requirement for comprehensive reporting helps regulatory bodies evaluate the performance of sanitary sewer systems and enforce compliance with environmental regulations. This is critical for protecting water quality and ensuring that municipalities take appropriate actions to mitigate risks associated with sewage discharges.