Some communities in Los Angeles’ Westside have been slow to come up with solutions for toxic urban stormwater runoff that continues to drain into the ocean, according to a recent report by environmental nonprofit group Heal the Bay.

The group’s new Stormwater Report takes a look at the lack of progress in stormwater pollution reduction efforts in L.A. County.

“We reviewed data from 12 watershed management groups who are responsible for implementing stormwater projects,” reads a recent blog post by Heal the Bay. “Despite our region having had nearly 30 years to address stormwater pollution, and six years to execute the latest version of these plans, we found that, as of December 2018, the responsible groups that we looked at are only about 9% complete toward final goals. If the current rate of implementation continues, Los Angeles County groups will achieve their total collective goal in 2082, well past final deadlines ranging from 2021 to 2037.”

To read a summary of the report’s major findings, click here.

New York Governor Announces Funding for Wastewater Project in Lake George

The village of Lake George will receive $9.4 million from the state as an investment into the village’s wastewater collections system. The plan was announced by Gov. Andrew Cuomo as part of his 2020 State of the State agenda.

The funding will be given in addition to a $3 million Water Infrastructure Improvement Act grant and a Department of Environmental Conservation grant of $2.5 million.

“Lake George is a crown jewel of New York’s many beautiful lakes and waterways,” says Cuomo. “This critical water infrastructure project will both ensure the continued health of the lake’s pristine waters and further economic growth throughout the region. New York is leading the way in protecting water quality, which is why the state is investing a historic $3 billion dollars to help municipalities address these challenges head-on.”

Construction is set to begin with treatment plant upgrades in August.  

Illegal Sump Pump Connections Causing Problems in Flooded Michigan City

Illegal sump pump hookups are causing headaches for city officials in Norton Shores, Michigan, as the area faces ongoing flooding problems due to high water levels in Lake Mona.

Some homeowners in the area are using sump pumps to keep water out of their homes, but the extra stormwater in the sanitary sewer system is overwhelming a nearby lift station.

The city has reached out to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for assistance, according to Mlive.com.