There hasn't been a whole lot of good news in the world of sewage treatment lately, as federal funding is cut and existing infrastructure continues to deteriorate. That's why this story out of Lynchburg, Virginia was music to our ears. The city received the EPA PISCES award for efficient use of its state revolving fund allocation.

This scenic city of 96,000 people is located right on the James River as it winds through the eastern foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Lynchburg has a history of sewage overflows from its deteriorating combined sewer system, but it has used funds in recent years to upgrade the system - resulting in an 80% reduction of discharges into the river.

The importance of the James River to Virginians makes this particularly welcome news. The river is 340 miles long, begins and ends in Virginia and is a major tributary to the Chesapeake Bay. In addition, one-third of the state's population lives within the river's watershed. Protecting the James River means healthier communities and ecosystems for many Virginians.

Lest we get too euphoric over this bit of good news, however, the day before Lynchburg was honored, the Virginia legislature voted to remove millions of dollars in state funds that would have helped the city continue its sewer separation project. It seems that clean water advocates are always on the defensive, even when they have a proven record of efficient resource use and successful pollution reduction.

Now on to the Spills O' the Week:

Durham Bulls*#@!: 10,000 gallons of sewage spilled into Northeast Creek in Durham, North Carolina when a broken manhole cover blocked a sewer main. The city issued a news release shortly after the spill and disinfected the area.

-The News and Observer, February 9, 2007

A-hole-a: A one-foot wide hole in an aging sewer pipe allowed several hundred thousand gallons of raw sewage to leak into the ocean near Wahikuli Beach Park in Hawaii. Crews fixed the pipe and posted signs near the beach to warn residents.

-The Star Bulletin, February 10, 2007

Gross-ery store: A broken sewer pipe at a shopping center in Sarasota, Florida sent 8,000 gallons of sewage into the parking lot. Half of the sewage was contained while the rest drained into Matheny Creek, which flows into Sarasota Bay.

-Herald Tribune, February 12, 2007

All that glitters isn't gold: Up to 50,000 gallons of sewage leaked from a holding pond onto a hillside near Gold Village, California. Sewage has been stored in the holding pond since October when the subdivision's sewage tank ruptured. While officials develop a permanent solution, they have told residents to test their water for contamination and may purchase portable toilets for all the homes.

-Appeal-Democrat, February 13, 2007

Treatment plant food: About 20,000 gallons of partially treated sewage that was to be used as fertilizer overflowed at a sewage treatment plant in Algonquin, Illinois when a tank cover failed. The spill was contained and did not pose a threat to the public or the environment, according to officials.

-Chicago Tribune, February 13, 2007

Take two: Parts of Dockweiler and Venice beaches in California were closed after a sewage spill contaminated coastal waters. This is the second time in two weeks that a sewage spill has closed these beaches.

-Daily Breeze, February 15, 2007