For details on January 19, 2001 conference in Indianapolis.

What are the public health threats posed by combined sewer overflows and failing septic tank systems? Is it a serious threat to children’s health? Opinions vary.

We instinctively know that sewage is bad for us. And many studies have confirmed that our longer lifespans are due to better sanitation and improved public health efforts.

However questions persist when it comes time to address combined sewers overflows and failing septic tanks.

Citizens seeking to have the threat reduced need to know. And civic leaders who must justify the millions of dollars in public funds to their constituents to implement controls need to understand the benefits and risks.

IKE is hosting a conference in Indianapolis on Jan. 19 and 20, 2001, to probe this issue in more depth. The conference will bring in national experts to discuss issues beyond the standards and mandates. While we may not reach consensus, we plan to have the issues clearly on the table.

The Friday session will focus on the professionals that are advocating action or making decisions. It will include tracks for the novice and the expert. The Saturday session will be designed for the citizen who wants to get involved.

Please join us! If you want to get involved in the planning process, please contact IKE at 317-442-3973.

See IKE's broader effort on combined sewer overflows for more details.