Flushing In a city facing a tight budget, this is bad news. Peoria leaders learned Wednesday that the city could have to pay a quarter of a billion dollars to try and stop sewage from going into the Illinois River.

Flushing out a solution to this problem will be painful for Peorians.

"It could be sewer rate increases or outside funding if we can find any," said David Barber, Peoria Public Works Director.

Years ago when the city was under construction, it combined sanitary and storm sewers. So about 30 times a year during heavy rains, the treatment plant can't handle the rush of water. Iit has to release raw sewage into the river and the EPA is now requiring the city to fix it.

"This is probably the biggest public works kind of project we've undertaken," said Barber.

The three solutions presented to the Clean River Committee range from to 105 to 262 million dollars in construction costs. And, that still wouldn't stop all the sewage as the problem would continue a couple times a year when the new storage tanks reach capacity.

The higher price on each solution depends on how far from downtown to send the sewage into the river.

A committee member sees the space for these tanks as a way to save money.

"Could it be the space for more developable property along the riverfront that in turn could help pay for the investment," said Tom Tincher, Clean River Committee Member.

One way residents can save green is by going green. Roof top gardens, rain barrels and picking up litter could save millions of dollars.

"If we can reduce and limit the amount of storm water that enters our sewers during peak and flash flow conditions, the less pipes and tanks we have to build along the riverfront," said Greg Asbury.

That means less of your money going down the drain.

The city must present its plan to the EPA by December. Public hearings are scheduled for next month.