WELCOME!

The CSO! Program is a major water quality improvement program being led by the City of Omaha Public Works Department. It will improve water quality in our local rivers and streams by capturing or treating 85% of the average annual combined sewage volume through a series of projects. Before beginning implementation of the CSO! Program, about 3.7 billion gallons of raw sewage mixed with stormwater overflowed into the Missouri River and the Papillion Creek in an average year. Through the CSO! Program, the City will dramatically reduce the volume of overflows and meet regulatory requirements. It is funded by all ratepayers who use the City's regional wastewater collection and treatment system.

Program Highlights

Program Spotlight: Model Indicates Missouri River Water Quality

Combined sewer overflow events occur along the Missouri River when stormwater mixed with sanitary wastewater overflows from CSO outfalls to the Missouri River. Overflows contribute to an increased concentration of E. coli bacteria in the River until wet weather conditions subside. E. coli is a water quality indicator of overall bacteria. At the request of the City, a computer model that simulates E. coli levels in the Missouri River was developed. (Read more.)

LTCP Update

In 2009, Clean Solutions for Omaha (CSO!) submitted its first Long Term Control Plan (LTCP), which was approved in 2010 and is required to be updated approximately every five years. During the development of this initial plan, there was significant public involvement to inform residents about the new Program and its many water quality improvement options. When the plan was updated in 2014, public meetings were again held to inform residents on the status of the Program and updates to the plan. Now, it’s nearing time to release the 2021 LTCP Update in early 2021. (Read more.)

Construction Time Lapse Video

Saddle Creek Retention Treatment Basin Time Lapse Video
This time lapse video illustrates Saddle Creek Retention Treatment Basin construction progress from June 2019 through July 2020. Construction on the top half of the screen includes a temporary earth retention system, soil excavation and installation of deep foundations supports. Activities on the bottom half of the screen include a new combined sewer diversion structure; two, 120-inch sewers and a new concrete channel liner. H-Pile installation for the foundation in the basin was completed in April 2020 and the focus for the next 12 months will include placing rebar and pouring concrete to construct the basin. (Click to watch.)

Current Program Highlights & Initiatives

• Blake Street Lift Station – Construction bid advertisement is expected Q1 2021. Construction start is anticipated in Q2 2021.
• Burt-Izard Lift Station – New screens have been installed and new pumps and motors will be delivered in February. Construction completion is anticipated by Q2 2021.
• Cole Creek CSO 203 Sewer Separation – Construction bid award was approved by the City Council in November. Construction start is anticipated in Q2 2021.
• Cole Creek CSO 204 Sewer Separation, Phase 3 construction start is planned for March 2021.
• Missouri Avenue/Spring Lake Park Sewer Separation – Phase 2 construction is expected to be complete this year.
• Missouri River Water Resource Recovery Facility (MRWRRF)–Transfer Lift Station Pump Replacement – Pump installations are underway.
• Monroe Street Lift Station Improvements – Final design is underway; construction bid advertisement is expected in Q2 2021.
• Nicholas Street Sewer Separation, Phase 3B – Construction bid advertisement expected Q1 2021; construction start expected in Q3 2021.
• Papillion Creek North CSO 210 Sewer Separation Project (PCN 210) – Construction bid is under City Council review. Construction start is anticipated in Q2 2021.
• Riverview Lift Station Replacement Project – Concrete wall and foundation placement continues at the lift station and diversion structures. Installation of 42-inch sewer along Gibson Road is nearly complete.
• Saddle Creek Retention Treatment Basin Project – mass concrete pours for construction of the basin columns and interior walls will continue for the first half of 2021. Pile driving was completed in December 2020 and January 2021 for the dual 108-inch influent sewers and chemical building.
• South Barrel Conversion and Sewer Separation Project – The City is contracting with design consultant for preliminary and final design.
• The results of the Program’s Optimization Evaluation, which focuses on identifying the most cost effective, beneficial approach to completing the final level of CSO control that is required, will be detailed in the Long Term Control Plan (LTCP) Update, available in March 2021.
• Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) – The City of Omaha and CSO Program continue to respond and adapt to mandated changes. City, Program Management Team staff and Project Teams have quickly adjusted to on-line meeting platforms and have prioritized electronic transfer of information. Construction progress continues as contractor partners have incorporated health and safety requirements and are practicing social distancing on job sites. All Program team members remain committed to advancing CSO projects, goals and objectives with little measurable delay.

Work In Your Area

Visit the Omaha CSO Interactive Project Map for specific information for CSO Program projects in or around your neighborhood.

Click the links below for up-to-date information on work that is currently underway, in or around your neighborhood.

Omaha Road Conditions

Nebraska 511 Travel Information