Legal Agreement Resolves Clean Water Act Case Involving Gadsden Wastewater System
Gadsden-A long-running Clean Water Act enforcement case involving the City of Gadsden’s wastewater-treatment plant and sewer system has been resolved through a legal agreement among conservation organizations, state regulators, and the Gadsden Water Works and Sewer Board.
According to information released by Coosa Riverkeeper, the settlement addresses allegations of unpermitted discharges of pollutants and violations of permit conditions tied to wastewater infrastructure that discharges into Neely Henry Lake on the Coosa River and several of its tributaries. The case involved the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM), the Gadsden Water Works and Sewer Board (GWWSB), and a coalition of conservation groups, including Coosa Riverkeeper, Advance Etowah, the Center for Biological Diversity, and Our Children’s Earth Foundation.
As part of the agreement, GWWSB did not admit liability but agreed to undertake a series of corrective and preventive measures aimed at improving the performance and reliability of its sewer system. These measures include extensive repairs, more frequent inspections, and increased maintenance of wastewater infrastructure. GWWSB will also conduct additional engineering analyses intended to prevent sewage overflows to the extent reasonably feasible.
In addition to infrastructure improvements, GWWSB has agreed to pay a civil penalty to ADEM and cover litigation-related expenses associated with the case. The agreement also establishes a process designed to assist eligible residents who are GWWSB customers with the cost of repairing private lateral sewer pipes that connect homes to the public sewer system. While those private laterals are not typically the responsibility of GWWSB, the program is intended to help address issues that can contribute to sewage overflows.
The settlement further includes a commitment by GWWSB to provide one-time funding to the Alabama Aquatic Biodiversity Center, which is operated by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The center focuses on breeding and protecting endangered fish and shellfish species, including several that inhabit the Coosa River. The river also serves as the source water for GWWSB, making its protection a regional priority.
The agreement also resolves a separate federal lawsuit brought by the conservation groups related to the same issues.
Looking ahead, Coosa Riverkeeper announced plans to release additional information outlining how the settlement will impact the Gadsden community. The organization also intends to host town hall meetings for residents to help explain the terms of the agreement and what it means for customers and the broader community.
https://weisradio.com/2025/05/21/coosa-riverkeeper-files-a-notice-of-intent-to-sue-alabama-power/
