PRICHARD WASTEWATER REFORM
The Problem
Prichard Wastewater has serious ongoing issues with treatment of sewage and sewage spills. Between 2021 and 2023, the utility had 309 spills totaling more than 45 million gallons. Its treatment plants release 5.2 million gallons per day of wastewater.
Prichard Wastewater has violated its permit numerous times over the last several years, including bacteria levels 4,000 percent above its permitted limits. These issues have raised serious public health concerns, with sewage spills and poorly treated wastewater impacting the safety of local and downstream waterbodies for swimming and recreational activities. These issues highlight the utility’s operational and infrastructural inadequacies, necessitating urgent reforms to protect community health and affected waterways.
Our Solution
How Did We Get Here?
2023
Receiver Appointed
John Young Appointed to Oversee Prichard Water System
John Young is appointed as receiver to oversee Prichard’s water system and provide recommendations. His early findings indicate a need for either a state-appointed utility authority or a takeover by MAWSS.
2021
Massive Sewage Spills
Between 2021 and 2023, 309 sewage spills occur. The average spill duration is 18 hours, with an average volume of 148,000 gallons. More than 30 million gallons is estimated to have spilled into area waterways.
2020
Public Health Risks
Prichard’s wastewater treatment plants experience numerous spills, with violations including over 2,000 percent exceedances of Enterococcus. In one case, the Stanley Brooks WWTP records a release where bacterial levels exceed permitted limits by 3,000 percent.
2019
ADEM Consent Order
ADEM issues a consent order to PWWSB, requiring immediate action to address ongoing violations at the Carlos Morris and Stanley Brooks WWTPs. Prichard Utilities is required to develop a comprehensive SSO response plan.
2014
Prichard Voters Approve a Referendum
2005-2020
Continued Non-compliance and Infrastructure Deterioration
Despite upgrades, the PWWSB struggles to maintain compliance with state and federal regulations. The Carlos Morris and Stanley Brooks wastewater treatment plants face recurring violations of their National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits.
2005
Mobile Baykeeper Sues Prichard Water Works
2005 - Prichard Water Board Settles Lawsuit with Mobile Baykeeper
Mobile Baykeeper sues the Prichard Water Works and Sewer Board after uncovering undetected sewage spills. Under the settlement, PWWSB commits to a water quality monitoring program at Eight Mile Creek and upgrades its two treatment plants.
2003
Undetected Sewage Spill in Prichard
