What: The federal government says Omaha and about 770 other communities with similar sewer systems must correct overflow problems to meet clean water requirements.
Why: About 43 square miles of sewers in east Omaha combine raw sewage with rainwater, causing more than 50 overflows of sewage a year into tributaries of the Papillion Creek or directly into the Missouri River.
Solution: Separate selected sewer systems east of 72nd Street to the Missouri River and from Interstate 680 on the north to Harrison Street on the south. Construct two combined sewer overflow treatment plants. Build a 5.4-mile overflow tunnel along the Missouri River.
When: 2009 through 2024.
Cost: $1.7 billion.
Source: City of Omaha's Public Works Department
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