Mount Vernon New York’s Sewage Crisis: 100 Year-Old Sewers cost Over $100 Million to be Fixed
By: Jyanne Guide, OFIS Ambassador
Westchester County, NY is facing a crisis as many residents have sewage flooding inside of their homes. The sewage problem in Mount Vernon began in late 2021 when the city’s sewage infrastructure started to fail. The city’s sewer lines, which are about 100 years old, were no longer able to handle the volume of sewage produced by city residents. This problem led to an overflow of sewage, backups, and leaks that seeped into the homes and businesses across the city of Mount Vernon. The smell of sewage is understandably unbearable in some areas, and has led to property damage, and increase in rodent and insect infestations, and exposure to health hazards. This is inherently a public health crisis, which has led to residents experiencing significant health issues, such as skin rashes, asthma, and other respiratory problems.
This alarming issue gained attention from state and government officials in the spring of 2022, after a docu-series titled “Wasteland” exposed the issue. As a result, the governor of New York, Kathy Hochul, announced a $150 million dollar investment that would address the old infrastructure and sewers causing the flooding.
Environmental and Social Injustice
This is both an environmental and social justice issue, For decades, Mount Vernon has been recognized as a historically Black city, with 68,000 Black residents. Some have questioned whether the same crisis would occur in more predominantly White and wealthier areas of Westchester County (which is 17% Black overall). Residents believe that “it is no coincidence” that Mount Vernon’s median income level is significantly lower than other areas of the county. The inequities are persistent, with some residents, for example, experiencing sewage issues for fourty years.
The Aspen Institute Our Future Is Science (OFIS) initiative for young people, recognizes connections between STEAM and social justice with the goal of using STEAM to address societal challenges. OFIS Ambassadors, Mentees, and Mentors, learn to consider both when generating solutions to issues— similar to what’s occurring in Mount Vernon. Although immediate short-term solutions are a start, OFIS stresses that long-term solutions ignite sustainable change that will benefit the lives of generations to come.
Some of Mount Vernon city’s short-term solutions were the installation of portable pumps that diverted sewage from affected areas, flushing sewer lines, and repairing old pipes. These efforts only provided minimal relief and there is still more that needs to be done. This is where the Mount Vernon city government’s willingness to invest in this issue shows the start of a long process of change. This investment is in favor of long-term solutions such as lead pipe replacement, which would cost roughly $8 million dollars. Another $2 million would bring in engineering consultant services to help solve the issue.
There is more work to be done, and Mount Vernon city officials expect this project to take a number of years to resolve. Press coverage about the sewage crisis is in and out of the news over the years with updates on where things stand with addressing the issue. It is important to reflect on what progress has been made; and continue to listen to community voices so that this issue remains top-of-mind for local decision makers. OFIS Ambassadors, Mentees, and Mentors, can keep this in mind by proposing science and community-based solutions that make lasting impacts on the community. Evidence of environmental injustice, as seen in Mount Vernon, is happening at alarming numbers across the country. With the initiatives like OFIS and efforts led by passionate activists in our own communities, we can work together to connect social justice and STEM to create sustainable and equitable solutions.