The Cost of Clean 2011

Addressing Aging Infrastructure and Unfunded Mandates

Although SD1 was formed in 1946, portions of the wastewater infrastructure were already in place at that time and the organization inherited a system that was full of challenges. Now, 65 years into our existence, there are parts of our service area that are old and outdated. There is an entire world of infrastructure under our feet and parts of it are in dire need of maintenance and rehabilitation.

For additional information regarding the history of SD1, please click here.

Top Cost-saving Measures

The cost to meet federal mandates and maintain $1 billion in assets is significant. However, SD1 is working hard to make it as affordable as possible for our ratepayers.

Legislative Efforts

SD1 has taken a stand for our ratepayers by supporting and lobbying for key affordability legislation on both the state and national level. 

• House Bill 504, a law requiring regulators to consider "affordability" in Clean Water Act compliance efforts for Kentucky communities, was signed by Governor Steve Beshear on April 14, 2010.
• Nutrients (Phosphorous and Nitrogen) levels in water are becoming a national issue.  Because of the financial implications that new regulations can have on the ratepayers in Northern Kentucky, SD1 is requesting to be a part of the task force that is determining the limits and regulations for nitrogen and phosphorus levels in our waterways.
• The National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) has created an initiative called "Money Matters." Money Matters is about providing clean water to our communities at the best value.
• The REINS Act is the Regulations for the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act. This legislation will restore congressional accountability for burdensome federal regulations.

Innovative Financing

SD1's financial stability and strong credit ratings have saved ratepayers millions of dollars in interest expenses. To learn more about the debt service history of SD1, please click here.

Watershed-based Approach

SD1's Consent Decree is the country's first enforcement action that allows a community to use the watershed management approach to more efficiently and cost-effectively meet federal Clean Water Act requirements. SD1's Watershed Approach will save ratepayers more than $2 billion by 2025 and will result in increased benefits to both public health and water quality.

To download a copy of the Executive Summary of the Watershed Plans for Northern Kentucky, please click here.

To obtain a full copy of the Watershed Plans submitted on June 30, 2009, please contact us.

Alternative Staffing and Partnerships

SD1 fulfills many labor needs through strategic staffing, utilizing numerous community volunteers/partners, co-ops, interns, temporary workers and other full-time employment alternatives. The Campbell County Work Release Program alone saved ratepayers up to $200,000 in fiscal year 2010.

SD1 has also formed partnerships with Thomas More College Environmental Academy, Walmart, Ft. Wright store, and TANK .

SD1 By the Numbers

Our numbers are significant and so is our responsibility.

• 220 approximate square miles that make up SD1's service area
• 400 approximate miles of storm water lines owned and maintained by SD1
• 1,600 approximate miles of sanitary sewer lines owned and maintained by SD1
• 63,000 pounds of waste per day that SD1 prevents from entering the Ohio River through wastewater treatment
• More than 36 million total average gallons of wastewater per day treated by SD1's three major water reclamation facilities

For additional numerical facts about SD1, please click here.

SD1 Highlights

Recognition

SD1 was recently recognized for three distinguished awards.

• The National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) presented SD1 with the Platinum Peak Performance Award for the Walton Treatment Plant.
• Interactive Health Solutions (IHS) named SD1 one of the Healthiest Companies in America for 2010.
• NACWA selected SD1 to receive the 2011 National Environmental Achievement Award in Public Information and Education for partnering with NKU to develop the 200 level college course, Protecting Water Resources.

Education

SD1 offers curriculum and field trips to teach students through hands-on activities.

• SD1's Environmental Unit is taught to over 5,000 students every year.
• Over 2,000 students visit SD1's Public Service Park every year

Public Participation

SD1 offers residents several public participation opportunities.

• Provide feedback to SD1 by participating in the Watershed Community Council or the Storm Water Advisory Council.
• Neighbors, scouts and other groups can participate in SD1's Storm Drain Marking Program. Supplies and maps are free.