MSD seeks $33.3M appropriation for eBORI sewer-separation work; requests easement authority for Addison Creek rehab

Representatives of the Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) briefed the Hamilton County commission on three infrastructure items on Jan. 29.

Lauren DeGarcia said MSD is requesting a $33,320,900 appropriation to fund construction and easement acquisition for CSO 432 and 489, part of the East Branch Ohio River Interceptor (eBORI) project in phase 2b of MSD's wet-weather improvement program; MSD said the request is included in the 2026 budget and that ODOT will reimburse those costs as the project invoices are billed.

DeGarcia also described a proposed sewer-credit program with the City of Sharonville that would allow the municipality to earn capacity credits by eliminating sources of stormwater inflow; MSD said the credit model could be deployed in other communities to encourage green stormwater infrastructure.

On the Addison Creek rehab, MSD explained that a deteriorated 12-inch sewer will be moved away from the West Fork of Muddy Creek to reduce erosion risk; the project requires two permanent and four temporary easements from private residential owners. MSD engineer Matt Spadari said one owner is in bankruptcy and another recently passed away, complicating settlement; staff said appropriation will allow condemnation proceedings only if negotiations fail, though most cases settle before trial.

Commissioners voted to pass the MSD items; MSD staff said they will return with construction funding requests after easement appropriation concludes.