Rep. Lucido bill warns residents when sewage discharges are imminent

State Rep. Peter Lucido testified today before the House Natural Resources Committee in support of his legislation creating a system to warn residents when weather conditions increase the likelihood of discharges from municipal sewer systems in Michigan.

“People need to know when conditions are ripe for a discharge so they can take precautions,” said Lucido, of Shelby Township. “This alert system would notify residents that they can minimize the threat by reducing their water usage.”

Lucido introduced the legislation in response to high bacteria levels in Lake St. Clair.

“It’s absolutely disgusting. Sewage discharged when we have heavy rains in Oakland and Macomb counties ends up in Lake St. Clair,” Lucido said. “As someone who grew up on Lake St. Clair I know it is the pristine jewel of Macomb County, but all this pollution is mucking up our shorelines and beaches. We must take action now to improve our lake.”

Lucido said the Department of Environmental Quality put a $1.8 billion price tag on the infrastructure improvements needed to put an end to the pollution problem in Lake St. Clair. This includes separating all of the storm sewers from the sanitary systems in the area.

“Local communities can’t afford to make these costly upgrades, and when you don’t have the money the best you can do is educate,” Lucido said. “The way you educate is through a notification system that asks residents to do their part by reducing their water usage. It’s simple – don’t wash your dishes, don’t do your laundry, don’t even flush your toilets if it can be avoided when the rains are heavy.”

House Bill 4806 remains under consideration in the Natural Resources Committee.