SOUTH HAVEN, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — As rising water levels pose a risk to the city’s services, South Haven officials are seeking $1.2 million dollars to prevent sewage overflow into a local river.
The Black River winds through the city before exiting into Lake Michigan, and like that larger body of water has seen a stark rise over the last several months.
City officials say that higher water levels present a threat to a wastewater treatment plant on the river, which could see sewer discharge if the river exceeds its current height.
The city is requesting funds to raise the elevation of pavement around the plant to prevent it from being breached. The $1.2 million dollars under consideration would also add a new sewer line and pay for a concrete barrier to prevent any chance of discharge.
WOOD-TV reports that the city’s public works department has already ordered the purchase of emergency pumps to stem the effects of rising water.
Apart from the sewer system, other infrastructure in the community also faces an uncertain future. The Dyckman-Bascule drawbridge could face closure due to a higher Black River, potentially making city officials decide between the interests of boat traffic or motorists crossing the juncture.
In January a report found that high water levels on Lake Michigan and the Black River could cost up to $16 million dollars going toward projects to protect or reconstruct infrastructure.
According to South Haven’s city website, the wastewater Treatment plant collects, filters and treats water from approximately 101 miles of sewer mains. The plant serves the City of South Haven, Casco Township and South Haven Township.
The proposed funding request will be presented on a South Haven Area Water and Sewer Authority meeting on March 31st.
