NEORSD predicts fee increases will continue, due to inflation, ongoing infrastructure needs
by Dan Holland
Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District provides wastewater and stormwater services for more than one million residents in 61 communities within the greater Cleveland and Akron metropolitan areas.
A court order in 1972 necessitated the creation of a regional sewer district “to establish a total wastewater control system for the collection, treatment and disposal of wastewater within and without the district.”
Originally formed as the Cleveland Regional Sewer District in 1972, the organization was renamed in 1979 as it gradually branched outward from the city of Cleveland, expanding coverage into the suburbs.
Three regional sewage treatment plants – Easterly (East 140th Street), Westerly (West 58th Street) and Southerly (Cuyahoga Heights) – and the major interceptors conveying sewage to them, purchased from the city of Cleveland, are all still in operation under NEORSD.
Similar to a road system with secondary, primary and main arteries, community sewer connect to interceptor sewers – with some being as large as 20 feet in diameter – that are owned, operated and maintained by NEORSD and feed into the treatment plants.
Revenue streams at NEORSD come from wastewater fees and stormwater fees, which fund two separate utilities: sanitary sewage treatment and stormwater management, according to Jennifer Pilkey Elting, senior manager of community relations for NEORSD.
According to the NEORSD website, sewer charges are calculated by multiplying actual water consumption by the appropriate sewer rate. The base charge – listed on a monthly bill as “fixed cost-recovery charge” – is then added to the total.
The agency implemented its Regional Stormwater Management Program in 2013, which numerous communities challenged in a joint lawsuit on the legality of NEORSD to collect stormwater fees. The Ohio Supreme Court made a final ruling in 2015, stating that under Ohio Revised Code 6119, NEORSD was not only authorized to manage stormwater, but also to impose fees for the service.
The district’s Regional Stormwater Management Program addresses flooding, streambank erosion and water quality issues, as NEORSD is involved in maintenance and inspections of drainage systems before and after major storm/flood events. They work in tandem with community service departments to remove debris and keep lines clear, said Elting. The fee that is included on the NEORSD monthly bill funds this program. Those fees are based on the amount of impervious surface area, such as driveways, patios and rooftops, contained on a property.
Cost increases
According to Elting, rates are expected to continue to increase by 4.2% annually through 2026, based on a rate study that takes into consideration projected costs, planned capital investment and debt service.
“Rates increase because of rising costs and increased investment in our clean water infrastructure, but we are always looking for ways to reduce these expenses such as financial refinancing and smart project management,” she said.
A lack of federal funding since 1990 and the federally mandated Project Clean Lake, with approximately 38 cents of each dollar generated through sewer bills going toward the project, have added to a budget shortfall.
Project Clean Lake involves the ongoing construction of seven expansive storage tunnels, which will reduce the sewage overflow that is being discharged into Lake Erie and other area waterways. The tunnels, with diameters as large as 24 feet and lengths from two to five miles, sit up to 300 feet below ground.
The NEORSD Board of Trustees approved the program in December 2010 in a joint agreement between the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the state of Ohio, and the sewer district. The plan includes treatment plant enhancements and investments in green infrastructure.
According to Elting, Cleveland and the suburbs currently have the same rate based on water consumption.
Local projects
NEORSD has completed two projects in Brecksville, the Chippewa Creek Streambank Stabilization at Route 21/Broadview Road, and the Chippewa Creek Condominiums Stabilization project. The Riverview Road Flood Reduction project is being designed.
The Chippewa Creek Flood Reduction Project, near Echo Lane, is currently under construction in Broadview Heights.
NEORSD has not completed any projects in Richfield; however, they have participated in cost sharing for some projects by returning money to the government that NEORSD has collected from its users.
Assistance programs
The district offers a number of cost savings programs, including the Homestead, Summer Sprinkling, Plumbing Assistance, Rate Reduction, Crisis Assistance and Stormwater Credit programs. For specifics, visit customerservice.neorsd.org/s/cost-saving-program.
Upcoming event
The district will host Clean Water Fest on Sept. 21 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Southerly Treatment Plant located at 4747 E. 49th St. in Cuyahoga Heights. Visitors can tour the largest treatment plant in Ohio, learn about technologies that help keep Lake Erie clean, check out fleet vehicles, enjoy games, prizes, giveaways and more. For information, visit cleanwaterfest.weebly.com. ∞