"Scientists say waste-treatment plants must follow subways and power stations in being protected against climate change."
"Hurricane Sandy dumped about 11bn gallons of raw and untreated sewage into waterways from Washington DC to Connecticut, the science journalism group Climate Central said on Tuesday. That's or enough human waste to cover New York's Central Park in 41ft of sewage, or fill 17,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools, scientists told a conference call with reporters.
The group, which drew on data from the Environmental Protection Agency, state protection agencies and water treatment plants, said most of the outflow during the storm, which hit the eastern US in October last year, was caused by storm surges, which overwhelmed sewage treatment plants. But power shutdowns – and heavy rain in Washington DC – also played a part. A third of the sewage was untreated.
The scientists said the report exposed yet another risk factor to America's crumbling infrastructure, due to climate change."
Suzanne Goldenberg reports for the Guardian April 30, 2013.
SEE ALSO:
"Sandy Sewage Spill Said Equal to Central Park Flood" (Bloomberg)
"Superstorm Sandy Dumped 11 Billion Gallons of Sewage" (ENS)
"Sandy Dumped Huge Sewage Outflow Into Waters, Roads: Report" (Reuters)
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