CSO! Program: Long Term Control Plan
The goal of the Long Term Control Plan (LTCP) is to reduce overflows from combined sewer outfalls to improve water quality in the Missouri River and Papillion Creek. Under an agreement with the State of Nebraska, Omaha is committed to implementing the LTCP by October 2027 (extended by three years from 2024 due to the 2011 Missouri River flood).
Types of CSO Solutions (Control Projects)
Missouri River Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades to maximize treatment of wet weather flows.
South Interceptor Force Main – Replacement of the existing force main to provide reliable conveyance of wastewater and combined sewage to the Missouri River Wastewater Treatment Plant
Industrial Lift Station and Force Main – This project will ensure that the high-strength wastewater will be treated at the Missouri River Wastewater Treatment Plant during wet weather events. This project will also reduce odors in the existing combined sewer system.
Regulations, Permit Requirements and Compliance
The City’s requirement to address CSOs is based on the Clean Water Act of 1972, the CSO Control Policy of 1994, the subsequent Wet Weather Water Quality Act of 2002, and the City’s Consent Order with and discharge permit from the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ).
Community Criteria
More than 140 community volunteers served on basin and community advisory panels. Initially, these groups met and developed eight non-monetary criteria used in determining the best and most cost-effective solutions outlined in the LTCP.
This criterion defines the reduction in the number of combined sewer back-ups into basements and existing sewer odors in the combined sewer service area.
This criterion defines water quality improvements in the receiving streams above and beyond the minimum requirements to comply with state and federal regulations. This would also include consideration for storm sewer water quality regulations that may be required in the future.
This criterion defines the amount of community disruption that would be expected during construction of CSO Solutions based on the assumed duration (months) of disruptions for major arterial streets (commercial/business disruption) and residential streets, as well as the total distance of disruption (blocks or linear feet of disruption). Specific goals include:
- Minimize neighborhood and business disruption
- Minimize community traffic impact
This criterion defines the coordination between improvements for the CSO Program and the potential for replacement of other aging utility infrastructure. Opportunities might include:
- Street improvements
- Sidewalk improvements
- Water main replacement
- Gas main replacement
- Sewer main replacement
This criterion defines the potential enhancements for the community achievable through leveraging other funding sources during construction of the projects. Enhancements could include:
- Green space/parks
- Streetscapes
- Structures (like playgrounds, public restrooms and community centers)
- Other amenities and support of future development in the community
This criterion defines the long-term compatibility of a particular alternative with the community, considering aesthetics and other benefits of the proposed facilities. Alternatives might include:
- Zoning coordination
- Historic preservation
- Unobtrusive solution facilities
- Contaminated sites/areas remediated
This criterion defines the reduction of street flooding. Evaluation was based on improvements to the collection system to increase in-basin conveyance of combined sewers, additional storm-water conveyance, or percent separation of sanitary and storm sewers in portions of the basin.
This criterion defines the operations and maintenance impacts of the proposed facilities. It also includes the reliability of the facility/facilities to function during wet weather events. Examples include:
- Proven technologies that are locally applicable
- Solutions compatible with the neighborhood
- Restoration of property after project
- Aesthetics (footprint, noise, odors, traffic, and proximity) of proposed facilities
- Safety


