Oneida County Asks Residents To Help Reduce Sewage Overflows

Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente is announcing the launch of Operation Ripple Effect - a program designed to educate residents on how to help reduce sewer overflows into the Mohawk River.

On an average day, the Oneida County Sewer District (OCSD) has sufficient capacity. However, heavy rainfall and significant snowmelt can overwhelm the system, causing the untreated excess to overflow into the Mohawk River.

The OCSD says treating all of this storm water is not only impossible at times, but it is also very expensive.

Picente says Operation Ripple Effect is a cost-effective solution that asks home and business owners to help prevent storm water from from entering the system.

Picente has a few suggestions on how you can help, such as disconnecting your roof leader, installing a rain barrel and planting a rain garden.

For information on how to build your own rain garden, contact the Cornell Cooperative Extension at 315-736-3394 or visit their website.

For additional information on how to help, visit the Operation Ripple Effect website.