By Liz Lape
PEORIA, Ill. (25 News) –In the fourth year of a nearly two-decade project, Peoria’s south side is undergoing major sewer system work.
The combined sewage overflow project is now in the 61605-zip code, with construction across the whole area. Peoria Public Works spokesperson Nick McMillion said it will take another year to complete this section of the project, which is costing the city around $12 million.
“This infrastructure that we’re putting in is allowing the rainwater, the stormwater, to not enter into the storm sewer, the combined sewer. It just allows it to naturally enter into the ground and absorb into the ground.”
McMillion said it is important work, separating a system that combines sanitary and storm water sewer lines, which often overflow during heavy rains. He said this causes sewage to run into the Illinois River, which creates health hazards, and prevents people from accessing the water for 48 hours.
“Don’t make contact, boat, swim, or any aquatic activities that you might enjoy on the Illinois River after one of those overflows do happen,” McMillion said.
McMillion said the citywide project is expected to take 18 years to complete, ending in 2039.
He recommends people sign up for combined sewer overflow alerts from the city to stay on top of overflow warnings.
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