The city of Hartford has reached a historic agreement with the Metropolitan District Commission to address longstanding issues of flooding and water quality in the city. Mayor Arunan Arulampalam emphasized the importance of managing stormwater quality effectively to meet regulatory requirements and protect the environment. EPA Regional Administrator David W. Cash hailed the agreement as a promise to residents who have dealt with flooding in their neighborhoods.
The agreement includes commitments to public involvement, an Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination program, and improvements in construction site runoff control and stormwater management. Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Katie Dykes expressed confidence in the agreement’s ability to improve stormwater infrastructure maintenance and prevent flooding in the face of increasingly intense rainfall events.
Residents in Hartford’s north end have been particularly affected by flooding, prompting calls for infrastructure changes despite ongoing projects to address the issue. The new agreement represents a new beginning in addressing these issues and protecting the health of residents in Hartford.
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