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Advocates Call For State Investment In Improving Sewage Infrastructure

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — A review of data reported under New York's 2012 Sewage Pollution Right to Know Act shows that nearly 2,700 sewage overflows were reported between May 2013 and June 2015.

The nonprofit Environmental Advocates of New York released a report on the sewage overflows on Thursday. The group reports 2,696 overflows during that span but says the true number is likely higher because of inconsistent data collection.

The group says funding for the state Department of Environmental Conservation must be increased to enforce the law and finalize regulations to provide standard reporting requirements.

A 2014 report from the state comptroller's office found there was an $800 million annual funding gap for sewage infrastructure needs across New York.

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