Dirty sewers: New Jersey needs estimated $8 billion to fix sewer systems

The Star-Ledger reports New Jersey will need an estimated $8 billion to fix its outdated sewer systems.

In a report published today, The Star-Ledger says there are more than 200 spots across the state where outdated sewer systems pour 23 billion gallons of raw sewage into the water each year.

The report cites the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which The Star-Ledger says is now pressuring the state to fix the problem.

According to The Star-Ledger, most New Jersey cities have separate pipes that carry sewage to the treatment plant and stormwater to rivers, streams and the ocean. In older areas, however, The Star-Ledger says the same pipes carry both stormwater and sewage to the treatment plant.