ALCOSAN doesn't mind being audited

ALCOSAN sees an upcoming audit as a "cooperative venture to explore fresh ideas," according to spokeswoman Nancy Barylak. ALCOSAN has already met with city and county auditors regarding a consent agreement that requires improvements to its sewage treatment facilities. During periods of wet weather, waste often flows directly into local waterways due to the region's combined sewer system. ALCOSAN has to have a comprehensive plan by 2012 and will use the audit as a guide for finding cost-effective solutions. Barylak says compliance with the consent decree will require rate increases for ALCOSAN consumers because no state or federal money is helping to pay for what's expected to be a multi-billion dollar project.