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Mr. Horvath continued, We have built a new system that uses a cognitive-hydraulic response <br /> system which takes all the data we have and uses it to inform the whole model. This is something <br /> that no one else in the world has done and something we are very proud of It makes sure that the <br /> solution in front of us is the right solution. This all runs parallel to meeting water quality criteria <br /> and standards. We took these models and optimized all the different possibilities to reduce <br /> overflow. The old Long Term Control Plan functioned on a bunch of engineers sitting down with <br /> ten(10) possibilities. They would then reduce it to four(4), and eventually get down to their <br /> preferred alternative. The problem with that is we lost certain opportunities and it didn't <br /> compensate for how one (1) solution could impact the other. We feel like the SAGE Plan is the <br /> most cost-effective way to reduce overflows. <br /> Mr. Fahey stated, The plan is called the SAGE Plan which stands for a Smarter Alternative to a <br /> Greener Environment. We've talked about the need to add a CSO tank at our wastewater <br /> treatment plant; that will happen. The plan also adds green storm water infrastructure to nine (9) <br /> CSO basins. Most importantly, it is going to reduce the impact on the resident's pocketbook. Mr. <br /> Fahey then referred to a slide in the presentation that compared and contrasted the current LCTP <br /> with the SAGE Plan with regard to the number of CSO basins, the amount of green <br /> infrastructure, the EPA criteria met, capacity, and the cost. He stated, The current LTCP has <br /> $713 million that remains to be spent. The SAGE Plan will only cost $200 million. That is a <br /> massive savings. A lot of engineering has gone into this and has had a lot of success. I have met <br /> with IDEM already this year, and there will be additional regulation meetings into the summer <br /> and fall as the negotiation strategy plays out. We are talking about a more efficient, less <br /> expensive, greener and smarter plan. <br /> Committee Chair Dr. Varner opened the floor to questions from the Committee and Council. <br /> Councilmember-John Voorde asked, We monitor the quality of the water from upstream? <br /> Mr. Fahey responded, Yes and the statistics we have only refers to what the City of South Bend <br /> contributes to. We aren't concerned with what comes from the other communities. These are <br /> only our statistics and what we contribute to the river. <br /> Councilmember Voorde followed up, So we are not getting penalized for an overflow upstream? <br /> Mr. Fahey confirmed, Correct, we are not. <br /> Councilmember Gavin Ferlic asked, In the SAGE Plan, what is the estimated number of <br /> overflows per year? <br /> Mr. Fahey responded, Well, water management comes down to two (2)main criteria. It comes <br /> down to water quantity and water quality. The water quantity metric -how much water that <br /> actually flows into the river- is not highlighted in any way by an overflow. Water quality is not <br /> something that is highlighted by the number of overflows either. The number of overflows <br /> metric is not a metric that has driven this project. This is a water quality project. So regardless of <br /> the number of overflows, this plan focuses on the overall quality. <br /> 6 <br />