San Francisco is in currently in a dispute with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over an accusation of improper sewage disposal. The issue at hand concerns the city’s open sewage system, which allegedly allows untreated human and animal waste to enter the ocean and local waterways during heavy rains.
The EPA has threatened a sanction of approximately $10 billion should the city fail to comply with necessary upgrades and maintenance to rectify the issue. San Francisco, however, has pushed back against these accusations, arguing that their system is designed to handle the city’s unique geographical demands and complies with the Clean Water Act.
While the dispute is ongoing, it is evident that a significant point of contention will be the financial ability and environmental priority of the city in committing to such extensive sewage system changes. The resolve of this case will have far-reaching implications, not just for San Francisco but for other cities facing similar challenges.
