Shreveport Struggles with Clean Water Act Violations and Rising Utility Costs

Shreveport Faces Ongoing Challenges After Clean Water Act Violations

Shreveport, Louisiana, has been fresh in the news lately as the city grapples with the consequences of past violations of the Clean Water Act. These violations date back to 2013, when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a complaint against Shreveport for discharging raw sewage unlawfully into waterways. Can you believe that the city recorded over 850 overflow incidents? That’s not exactly something to be proud of.

A Long Road of Compliance

As a result of these violations, Shreveport found itself entangled in a consent decree with the EPA. This agreement mandated significant upgrades to the city’s aging sewer and water systems. To add insult to injury, the city had to fork over a civil penalty of $650,000 to both the federal and state governments. Unfortunately, things haven’t gotten easier, as the city remains under this decree, with an end date set for 2026.

Now, if you think that this sounds like an expensive problem, you’re spot on! The city initially estimated it would take about 12 years and $342 million to meet the requirements outlined in the consent decree. However, as often happens with large projects, those costs ballooned. For years, Shreveport officials have been sending out warning signals about the city’s financial struggles in meeting these obligations.

Increased Costs for Residents

What does that mean for the folks living in Shreveport? Well, to finance these necessary improvements, the city has had no choice but to raise water and sewer rates. Rates have consistently increased since the decree began, and they’re about to rise again come April 2024. Since 2013, sewage rates have skyrocketed by a whopping 177%, while water rates have climbed by 10% just since 2020. It’s no wonder people are feeling the pinch, especially those on low or fixed incomes.

Shifting Plans for Improvement

Realizing that sticking rigidly to the original upgrade plan was simply not going to cut it, Shreveport has begun to shift its focus. The city decided to prioritize preventing sanitary sewage overflows over an all-encompassing fix. “Several years into the consent decree, the city recognized that, despite spending over $200 million more in the first several years than was projected, it could not comply with the terms,” Mayor Tom Arceneaux shared in a statement.

The aim is still the same: eliminating sanitary sewer overflows. In pursuit of this goal, the city is currently navigating through negotiations with the EPA, hoping for some much-needed relief—either through negotiated changes or court decisions.

A Glimmer of Hope

In a recent report from spring 2024, Mayor Arceneaux took a moment to express gratitude to the citizens who approved three important bond propositions. One of these propositions allocated a remarkable $82 million for various water and sewer system projects. Among these projects is a crucial $20 million investment at the Amiss Water Treatment Plant, aimed at updating the water intake structure in Cross Lake.

Additionally, plans are in place for a new elevated storage tank in southeast Shreveport to tackle ongoing issues with water pressure and reliability. More than $50 million will also be focused on the sewer issues tied to the consent decree.

Looking Ahead

As Shreveport works towards compliance with the consent decree, residents are undoubtedly feeling the pressure of rising rates and the lingering impacts of past mismanagement. The city is hopeful that with continued negotiations and wise investments, they can finally turn the tide and restore confidence in their water and sewer systems. It’s a long journey ahead, but with the support of the community, there’s hope for a cleaner, safer Shreveport.