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1. What is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Mandated Long Term Control Plan (LTCP)?

The U.S. EPA has mandated that every Combined Sewer Overflows (CSO) community develop and implement a Long Term Control Plan in order to significantly reduce discharge into the nation’s water ways.

2. Does Aurora have a mandated Long Term Control Plan (LTCP)?

Yes, the City of Aurora and Fox Metro were each required to submit Long Term Control Plans by April 1, 2010.
- On February 16, 2010, the City conducted a public meeting to discuss the recommendations of the LTCP.
- On March 26, 2010, the City submitted its LTCP; it is currently under review by both the US EPA and Illinois EPA.

3. How was the mandated Long Term Control Plan (LTCP) developed?

In January 2008 the City retained Strand Associates, a nationally recognized expert in combined sewer systems to assist Aurora in preparing its LTCP. Development of the LTCP included the following activities:
- Creation of a 16 member citizen’s advisory committee to provide public input.
- Measurement of sewage flows within the sewer system and development of a computer model of the sewer system.
- Evaluation of dozens of alternatives to discharging into the river.
- Financial capability assessment.

4. What improvements will be made as a result of the mandated plan?

The plan recommends a number of improvements to reduce Combined Sewer Overflows including:

- Expanding the capacity of the combined sewer system.
- Modifying existing overflow structures.
- New permanent flow meters at certain Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs)
- Separating sewers through the installation of new storm sewers.
- Implementation of green infrastructure to remove stormwater from the system.
- Construction of a new CSO treatment facility on the City’s southwest side.
- Construction of a pump station on the City’s southeast side.

5. When fully implemented what will be the impact of the mandated plan?

Implementation of the city’s plan will result in fewer basement backups and treatment or elimination of 85% of the combined sewage overflows caused by rainfall on an annual average basis.

6. How long does the City have to make the improvements?

The city has requested the longest implementation schedule typically allowed by the 20 years.

7. How much will the mandated plan cost and who is responsible for paying?

The financial burden of funding the plan is on taxpayers within the affected communities.
- Total cost of improvements to City of Aurora and Fox Metro are estimated at $325 million.
- The city's improvements are estimated to cost $120 million.
According to government guidelines, communities should spend approximately 2% of the combined Median Household Income on sewer services.

8. How much will Aurora citizens be charged for the mandated Long Term Control Plan?

A $2.05 fee will be added to each bi-monthly water bill ($1.025 per month).

9. Can the city delay implementation of the mandated Long Term Control Plan until better economic times?

No. Failure to implement the plan will result in State or Federal enforcement actions, civil penalties, and or criminal sanctions. Aurora would face permit violations which carry fines of $25,000 to $37,500 per day and would be subject to a costly legal battle.
- Evansville, IN - Refusal to cooperate with the U.S. Environmental Protection agency (EPA) resulted in a lawsuit by the Department of Justice leading to $500 million in costs including $490,000 in penalties and an additional $4 million in environmental projects.
- Akron, OH - Refusal to cooperate with the U.S. EPA resulted in a lawsuit. The settlement requires the development and implementation the plan, plus $500,000 in penalties.
- Scranton, PA - Was sued for failure to submit the plan. The lawsuit is ongoing.