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.
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.)
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.)
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.
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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.