Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) Campaign, Baltimore, Maryland

Engaging communities to work toward cleaner water

Project Summary

Urban sanitary sewer overflows in Baltimore City are a major public health concern and contribute to high levels of contaminants in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. These are caused even without storm events by improper disposal of household greases, fats, oils, and products, and contribute hundreds of millions of gallons of untreated sewage to local waterways. By educating target audiences about proper disposal of household greases and products, the 40% of reported overflow events which are caused by improper use instead of stormwater events can be eliminated.

Problem
Urban sanitary sewer overflows in Baltimore City are a major public health concern and contribute to high levels of contaminants in the Chesapeake Bay. These are caused even without storm events by improper disposal of household greases, fats, oils, and products. Between 2005 and 2015 nearly 40% of the 10,000 recorded overflow events were caused by inappropriate materials placed into the sanitary sewer system. These actions have resulted in approximately 16 million gallons of untreated sewage discharged into local waterways.
Solution
Educating the public on proper disposal of greases, fats, oils, and other household wastes can eliminate these overflow events.

Implementation
Target audiences were identified and reached with specific messaging and outreach techniques. These techniques were tested, packaged, and can be replicated in other areas.
Outcomes
Each household and community establishment reached with the proper disposal messaging represents a significant contribution to cleaner waterways. By keeping inappropriate materials out of sanitary sewers, the water treatment systems function properly and waterways around the Chesapeake Bay are protected.

Funders and Partners This project was led and managed by Ridge to Reefs and Lori Lilly (Environmental Solutions) with generous support from the Chesapeake Bay Trust. We would like to thank our partners Water Words That Work, Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake, and the City of Baltimore for their contributions over the years to this project.