Darien Clean Water Act Action

Location: Darien, Connecticut | Status: Complete; tracking compliance

Summary:

Poorly maintained sewage collection systems can fall into a state of disrepair and result in chronic sewage spills, impacting the health of Connecticut residents and our shared environment. Save the Sound identified overflows from Darien’s sewage collection system, including a release of approximately 600,000 gallons in October 2018, as well as a history of failing to implement recommendations for rehabilitation and maintenance. We worked collaboratively with the town to negotiate a consent decree as part of a Clean Water Act citizen suit legal action, under which the town agreed to conduct a system-wide study, implement any necessary repairs identified according to an agreed upon schedule, and develop and implement a plan for routine maintenance.  The town also provided funding to the Darien Land Trust for improvements to Olson Woods Pond that augment its function as a natural forebay protecting Long Island Sound and as habitat for sea-bound migratory fish, local wildlife, and other migratory species. A consent decree was signed by Judge Janet C. Hall on December 29, 2020.

Latest step:

Pursuant to the consent decree, Darien completed its Inflow and Infiltration Report in September 2020. Darien submitted its draft Sanitary Sewer Evaluation Report and Preliminary Remediation Plan to Save the Sound for review on September 30, 2022; Save the Sound provided comments on October 27, 2022.

Next step:

Save the Sound and Darien will meet to discuss feedback on the SSES Report and Preliminary Remediation Plan; Darien will thereafter finalize and begin implementation. Capacity, Management, Operation, and Maintenance Plan to be completed by Darien by December 2022. Save the Sound has the opportunity to review and provide comments on the CMOM.

Further Reading:

Action Opportunities:

Last Updated: November 17, 2022


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