The city of Seattle is taking on a $500 million project to update its storm drains to reduce the amount of untreated sewage that overflows into waterways during storm events.
The project is expected to increase local water fees over the next few years, but officials argue the move is necessary to protect local water resources.
"The Seattle project is intended to comply with orders from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the state Department of Ecology to cut the city's combined sewage and stormwater system overflows into Lake Washington and Puget Sound to no more than once a year at each outfall.
Seattle agrees with that goal, SPU Director Ray Hoffman said in a statement. 'We believe it's the right thing to do because it enables us to better preserve the region's environment and natural resources for future generations.'"
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