NEWS
Chris LaRue could tell you with his nose when things arent right in the Red Cedar River.
The engineering freshman is becoming acquainted with the aromas rising from the river close to his Bailey Hall room.
LaRue would agree with many students that sewage, even if its partially treated, doesnt belong in his back yard.
Im really happy (the Red Cedar) stinks, LaRue said sarcastically.
But when the snow melts and the rain falls, thats what sometimes happens.
In those situations, the East Lansing Wastewater Treatment Plant cant hold the influx of water, forcing it to be discharged into the Red Cedar watershed, which runs near the Brody Complex.
The plant experienced five such overflows in 2001, the smallest of which deposited 5.8 million gallons of water into the Red Cedar River - water that contained partially treated sewage.
Plant superintendent Jeff Johnston said the number of sewer overflows has dropped by 80 percent since 1997, a result of a recent emphasis to reduce sewage making its way into the river.
Those happen during high rains and snowmelts and the (retention treatment basin) will hopefully add to that, Johnston said.
The basin is the latest in a series of steps the plant has taken in partnership with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality to decrease the occurrence of discharges and is set to be completed in 2006.
And some organizations and legislators are working to ensure other plants receive the same treatment.
State Rep.