Combined Sewer Overflow
Welcome to the City of Elkins Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) information page. Elkins operates a combined sewer system that collects stormwater and sanitary sewage in the same pipes. During heavy rain or snowmelt, the system can become overloaded, causing a Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO), where excess water is discharged into receiving streams. This page provides detailed information about CSOs, their operation, and links to important documents for further reading.
The Nine Minimum Controls (NMC’s)
The City of Elkins Sanitary Board has created the Combined Sewer Overflow Operational Plan (CSOOP), which includes mechanisms and specific procedures to ensure that the nine minimum technology-based controls for combined sewer overflows are followed and activities are properly documented.
These Nine Minimum Controls include:
- Conduct Proper Operation and Regular Maintenance Programs
- Maximize Use of Storage in Collection System
- Review and Modification of Pretreatment Program
- Maximization of Flow to POTW For Treatment
- Elimination of CSO’s During Dry Weather
- Control of Solids and Floatable Materials
- Pollution Prevention Programs to Reduce Contaminates in CSO’s
- Public Notification
- Monitoring to Characterize CSO Impacts to Receiving Streams and the Efficiency of CSO Controls
CSO Reports
Combined Sewer Overflow Reports are generated bi-yearly and yearly to provide the status of the CSO system. These reports have a range of data, including information on the Nine Minimum Controls activity, weather events, operations, maintenance, quality studies, pollution control, public notifications, and more. Click any of the following the links to view previous CSO Reports.
CSO Annual Notice
The City of Elkins Wastewater Department is required by law to provide an annual notice regarding the status and operation of its Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) system as part of its compliance with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit. This notice is essential for informing residents about the potential health risks associated with CSO events, especially during heavy rain or snowmelt when the system may overflow and discharge into local waterways.
You can download the CSO 2024 Annual Notice below, which includes important information about the CSO system, the locations of the overflow points, and guidelines for avoiding contact with affected water during overflow events. This notice ensures transparency and public awareness, helping to protect the health and safety of our community.
Whitney Hymes
Wastewater System Chief Operator (Class IV)
Wastewater Treatment Plant
401 Davis Avenue
Elkins, WV 26241
304.636.1122 (office)
whymes@cityofelkinswv.com
