News Release

Round Table

Discussions Surface Discharging Private Sewage Disposal Systems

During the next few weeks, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the Illinois Department of Public Health will be hosting round table discussions focusing on surface discharging private sewage disposal systems and their effects on communities. These informational meetings will highlight the serious risk that improperly operated and maintained surface discharging private sewage disposal systems can pose to the public health and the environment of communities throughout Illinois.

We urge local health departments, industry representatives, county officials, trade associations, agricultural and rural organizations, and environmental groups to participate with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the Illinois Department of Public Health in our joint effort to help protect the public health, the environment and to create a better quality of life for the citizens of Illinois.

Who: The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the Illinois Department of Public Health invite representatives from local health departments, industry, county officials, interested associations, agricultural and rural organizations, environmental groups and area legislators to attend the round table discussions.

What: These informational meetings will highlight the serious consequences of the lack of proper monitoring, maintenance and the need for system installation and design limitations for site-specific conditions of surface discharging private sewage disposal systems. They will also illustrate how these systems are impacting the public health and the environment of communities throughout Illinois. Possible solutions will be discussed and participants will have the opportunity to provide input.

Why: The number of surface discharging systems installations has significantly increased and these systems are often installed in areas with soils suitable for a subsurface discharge. In addition, the lack of proper monitoring and maintenance of surface discharging systems has created a threat to the environment and the health of the citizens of Illinois.

Discussion Topics

Types of on-site private sewage treatment systems Surface discharging systems Failing surface discharging systems in Illinois Public health risks Environmental risks Current regulation and oversight

Dates & Locations

All round tables will be held from 7-8:30 p.m.

Bloomington
Tuesday, January 27, 2004
Interstate Conference Center
2301 W. Market Street
Bloomington, IL
309-829-3976

Vandalia
Thursday, January 29, 2004
Days Inn Motel
1920 N. Kennedy Blvd.
Vandalia, IL
618-283-4400

Malta/De Kalb
Monday, February 2, 2004
Kishwaukee College Conference Center
21193 Malta Road
Malta, IL
815-825-2086

Contact Information

For further information, contact Illinois EPA, Office of Associate Director, 217-558-4455.