Reports of toilet paper, raw sewage, and other discarded items flowing through the Connecticut River in Suffield and Enfield went viral in recent weeks as Connecticut State Rep. Tami Zawistowski pointed the finger at Holyoke, Springfield, and Chicopee.  

“They all have issues that have emerged in recent years,” Zawistowski told WTNH News 8, claiming Holyoke alone “dumped” seven million gallons of sewage into the river in one day. “It’s time for Massachusetts to step up.” 

Officials in the cities that have been singled out say the “issues” that have emerged are intensifying rain events due to climate change.  

The pollution in the Connecticut River is caused by combined sewer overflows (CSOs) that have long been an issue in older cities with aged infrastructure.  

Cities like Holyoke, Springfield, and Chicopee have historically combined sewer systems where both wastewater and stormwater come through shared pipes. During heavy rains, the excess flow bypasses the treatment plants where it is supposed to be cleaned and is instead discharged into local bodies of water to prevent backups in people’s homes.  

All three cities have made multi-million-dollar efforts in recent years to prevent overflows and have reached the final stages of separating their stormwater and sewer systems, significantly reducing their annual discharges. But as climate change continues to worsen heavy rain events, inevitable overflow events are working against their progress. 

Funding the expensive projects required to update the sewer systems is a daunting task, and the three Gateway Cities often lack the taxpayer base to pay for it.  

“By no means would I say that Chicopee, Holyoke, and Springfield have done nothing,” Springfield Water and Sewer Commission Executive Director Josh Schimmel said. “If we could wave a wand and make them go away tomorrow, we would, but we serve a disadvantaged population that pays for it.” 

Published by MassINC