The City of Olean and the Seneca Nation are teaming up to tackle the city's wastewater overflows that have released millions of gallons of sewage into the Allegheny River.

A 10-person task force has been created, which includes Seneca Nation President J. Conrad and Olean Mayor William Aiello. In addition, Seneca Nation Councillors Joshua Becker and Jonathan D. Williams, Kevin Jimerson, construction program manager, and Scott John, director of utilities, Olean Common Council President John Crawford, Brad Camp, superintendent of sewer and water, Jeremy Meerdink, chief wastewater plant operator, and the city’s soon-to-be-named director of the Department of Public Works will serve on the task force.

“The chronic sewage overflows is an issue that is destroying our river and impacting residents of our Allegany Territory and other communities downstream from Olean. This is unacceptable,” President Seneca said. “The Seneca Nation is not prepared to wait several more years for a solution. We are committed to working together to help our neighbors in Olean and the City’s leaders find a path forward that prioritizes the river and the health of those who enjoy and depend upon her waters.”

A State Department of Environmental Conservation Order issued in 2001 for the city to upgrade its wastewater systems has been revised multiple times to allow Olean more time to address this.

“The City of Olean is pleased to have formed this task force with the Seneca Nation,” Mayor Aiello said. “Our collaboration affords us the opportunity to pool our expertise and mutual resources to address the challenges that Olean faces in our wastewater management practices. The Allegheny River is an asset for both the City of Olean and the Seneca Nation; safeguarding the environmental integrity of the river and public health is important for both of our communities. We look forward to working with President Seneca and the task force members in the coming months on this project.”

Right now, Olean has until 2042 to become fully compliant. However, Seneca Nation President J. Conrad and Olean Mayor William Aiello say the goal is to get this done before that and secure funding from the state and federal government.

“The status quo and following the current path cannot be an option. We know that, and I believe the City’s leaders understand that as well,” President Seneca added. “The Seneca Nation and our people, along with our neighbors along Ohi:yo’, have been vocal in calling for action from the City. We’re not going to stop. Through this task force, the Seneca Nation will now have a meaningful seat at the table to keep pressing for a solution now, not two decades from now. If our Nation can assist Olean - through advocacy, through the expertise of our grant writers, and through other avenues – to finally put an end to this harmful situation, we are committed to doing that. The destruction of the river needs to stop now.”