(The Center Square) – Shreveport has already spent more than $450 million addressing wastewater system deficiencies identified by the Environmental Protection Agency, but the city still faces a long road ahead, with costs projected to reach $1 billion over 20 years.
Addressing wastewater system failures is Shreveport’s single largest financial obligation, according to a project report.
In the first five years of a 12-year EPA remediation plan, the city exceeded its original total estimate of $350 million by 29%, decades before the program will be complete. The city agreed to fix its problems in 12 years but now says it needs 15-20 more years.The city anticipates a decision by year’s end regarding its request for an extension to fulfill those repair obligations. In 2014, the city entered into a consent decree to reduce overflows from its sewer system and resolve violations of the Clean Water Act. Plaintiffs include the Department of Justice, the EPA and the state of Louisiana…