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Council vote puts sewage-overflow tank in doubt

City Council voted unanimously yesterday to ban underground sewage tanks within 1,500 feet of homes in the 10th and Sixth Council Districts in Northeast Philadelphia.

City Council voted unanimously yesterday to ban underground sewage tanks within 1,500 feet of homes in the 10th and Sixth Council Districts in Northeast Philadelphia.

The ordinance, which requires Mayor Street's signature, throws into question a plan by the city's Water Department to construct a storm-overflow tank.

The underground tank would be built along the Poquessing Creek near the campus of Holy Family University. During downpours, sewage overflows from manholes into the creek. The tank would hold enough overflow to fill two Olympic swimming pools.

"We are disappointed," said Debra McCarty, deputy water commissioner. ". . . This eliminates a proven, viable, cost-effective technology." - Jennifer Lin