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Discussion on DEP reports and reduction in sewer backup complaints
2:16:52
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115 sec
Council Member Restler commends DEP on their reports and discusses the significant reduction in sewer backup complaints. He inquires about the department's approach to addressing high-risk areas for sewer backups and how this information informs capital resource allocation.
- 56% reduction in sewer backup complaints noted in the PMMR
- Map identifying 74,000 homes or buildings at risk for sewer backups
- Discussion on cost-effective alternatives like fixture plugs
Lincoln Restler
2:16:52
I did So I just want to compliment you and your team.
2:17:00
I thought your The two reports that you handed out today looked great, and I'm excited to read them fully.
2:17:05
I skimmed them during your testimony.
2:17:07
But was particularly interested in just digging into protecting your home for a moment.
2:17:14
The I was interested in your recommendations in addressing sewer backup complaints.
2:17:23
And fortunately, I think this is probably partially a reflection of the good work of DEP, partially a reflection of the weather, sewer backup complaints were down 56% in the PMMR to twenty three eighty eight, you know, as of a couple months ago.
2:17:37
So that's good for a year over year.
2:17:38
56% reduction is phenomenal.
2:17:42
Although I guess we thank the weather gods as much as anything.
2:17:44
So but I did wanna just check-in.
2:17:49
So, you know, the map you have here is quite striking of exactly where these you know, that you were able to pinpoint 74,000 homes or buildings are particularly at risk for sewer backups.
2:18:02
And, you know, you've identified a few a couple ways particularly encouraging the utilization of fixture plugs as a cost effective alternative to to the backwater valves.
2:18:17
But since we can kind of so clearly see a map of these are the neighborhoods where we have these issues, this is where we need attention.
2:18:28
I realize this is a a moment in time and that perhaps ten years from now, it's a broader area of homes that could be impacted.
2:18:35
But in this moment, does that inform where we're dedicating capital resources to try to expand sewer infrastructure capacity to mitigate the risks that these homeowners are facing?