By Stu Johnson, Kentucky Public Radio
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Lexington leaders are learning the extent of sanitary sewer problems in certain parts of the city. Detailed maps showing sewage overflow areas during heavy rains were distributed to members of the Urban County Council's new environmental quality committee Tuesday.
One problem area is near the Kentucky American Water reservoir off Richmond Road. Division of Water Quality director Charlie Martin says some sewage has made it into the lake. But he says there are no documented health issues associated with the overflows.
"When you get into a large body of water like that you've got a lot of dilution that's going on so that lessens the impact. Secondly, I think my colleagues at Kentucky American would tell you that they don't use that as a primary water source."
Martin says Lexington's consent decree with the EPA requires recommendations for solutions, the timeline for repairs, and cost estimates to be filed by October. He admits the costs will be extensive and could result in higher sanitary sewer fees. br>