Speakers take city to task over efforts to stem sewage overflows

By RICK MILLER

Olean Star

OLEAN — Three downriver residents — including two members of the Seneca Nation — pressed the Olean Common Council Tuesday for signs of progress on ending raw sewage overflows into the Allegheny River.

Over the past six years, more than 1.2 million gallons of sewage-contaminated water have overflowed into the river during heavy rains. The city has been under a consent decree from the state Department of Environmental Conservation to correct the problem for more than 20 years.

Jessica Crouse of Salamanca, who owns property on the Allegheny River that has been in her family for many years, said she and her family were unable to enjoy the river last summer as they had in the past due to several sewage overflows from Olean.

“I would like to see some progress being made,” Crouse said. “I hope this summer we can really enjoy our time on the river.” She said she also rents some of her property along the river to others, who she has also warned about  the overflows.

Glenn Wahl of Salamanca, who has raised the issue of the overflows to the aldermen earlier this year, said it has been four months since the city received no responses to its request for proposals to study the overflow issue — including roof drains connected to sanitary sewers — which lead to backups at pump stations and diversion into the river.

“The city has no plans in place to fix the problem,” said Wahl, who urged the city to focus on homes and businesses served by the South Fourth Street pump station. Water from roof drains needs to be segregated from the sanitary sewers, he added. 

Wahl said the discharges could stop by next summer if homeowners and businesses could make plans to disconnect roof drains from sanitary sewers in the spring. That would probably go a long way toward ending the sewage overflows into the river, Wahl said. Enhancing the lift station pumps, increasing storage and/or eliminating other water from flowing into sanitary sewers are also on the table. 

Degawenodas Hewho Thunderz, an environmental activist who has spoke to the aldermen before about his concerns over the sewage overflows, said he was disappointed the city hasn’t taken action on the plan it spoke about several months ago.

A member of Defend Ohi:yo, he said the city isn’t trying hard enough to protect the river. “A lot of people can’t enjoy the waterway because of you.” He renewed his offer to help the city resolve the problem, as did Wahl. “I was proud of you” for coming up with a plan. “No more.”

Another speaker, Robert Kennedy, a disabled veterans from Seneca Avenue, was critical of efforts to clear snow from sidewalks along East State Street. 

“I cannot walk down East State Street,” Kennedy said.” Please do better. You are in violation” of the Americans With Disabilities ACT. “Look out for the disabled.”

There were no speakers at the public hearing Tuesday on the city’s plan to implement a 5% bed tax on hotels, bed and breakfasts and Airbnbs.

The aldermen are expected to pass the local law to start collecting the bed tax on Tuesday, Dec. 17. Once the state Department of State receives the local law, the city can begin collecting the tax.

Mayor Bill Aiello said based on the experience of Cattaraugus County, which also has a 5% bed or occupancy tax, the city can expect about $100,000.

The city plans to use the revenue to pay for tourism and economic development efforts.

Aldermen also approved free parking on downtown city streets and lots through Jan. 3.