Jefferson County sewer construction scandal

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The Jefferson County sewer construction scandal began when the Cahaba River Society and several individuals sued Jefferson County in federal court to stop illegal dumping of untreated sewage overflows into waterways. The court's decree mandated that the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversee corrections to the system to prevent overflows. That corrective work has amounted to $3.3 billion of sewer construction contracts.

Several county officials involved in overseeing those contracts have been convicted of accepting bribes to favor certain contractors. Former Jefferson County Commission members Chris McNair, Jeff Germany, and Gary White have all been found guilty of corruption.

Though major construction is complete, the EPA still has scores of documented infractions which need to be addressed before they can certify compliance with the court order.

Due to the project's enormous costs, county-wide sewer rates have increased markedly, and will continue to increase annually to pay off bond debts accumulated during construction.

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References

  • Bouma, Katherina (January 19, 2008) "EPA fines Jefferson County for sewage overflows, refuses to certify expansion as complete." Birmingham News
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