ALCOSAN Celebrates 80 Years with Historic Outfall Dedication Event

Jun 8, 2026, 7:20 AM

The Allegheny County Sanitary Authority (ALCOSAN) commemorated its 80th anniversary on Friday with a special event featuring the dedication of the Authority’s new outfall.

Held at ALCOSAN’s treatment plant along the Ohio River, the day brought together regional leaders, municipal partners and community stakeholders to reflect on eight decades of wastewater treatment and improving water quality throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Guests heard remarks by Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor, Representative Emily Kinkead, ALCOSAN Executive Director Arletta Scott Williams, Deputy Executive Director and Operations and Maintenance Director Douglas Jackson, and Environmental Compliance Director Michelle Buys.

During a ceremonial dedication of a plaque recognizing the commissioning of ALCOSAN’s new outfall, a citation was presented by Representative Kinkead on behalf of the Allegheny County House Delegation, recognizing ALCOSAN’s 80 years of service and its continued commitment to improving water quality throughout the region.

Plaque dedication ceremony
A ceremonial plaque dedication marked the commissioning of ALCOSAN’s new outfall.

In 1946, the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority was created under Pennsylvania’s Municipal Authorities Act to design, construct and operate an interceptor system and treatment plant for residential, commercial and industrial wastewater.

“Eighty years ago, this system represented a bold investment in public health and environmental protection,” said Doug Jackson, Director of Operations and Maintenance. “The new outfall is our commitment to the community that clean water starts here.”

ALCOSAN’s Clean Water Plan is driven by four key initiatives: the GROW Program, Regional Tunnel System, Regional Conveyance, and Plant Expansion. The new outfall was placed into service in January 2025, immediately following the decommissioning of the previous outfall, which had operated continuously since 1959.

Since beginning operations that year, ALCOSAN has served as the wastewater treatment provider for 83 Allegheny County communities, helping protect the Ohio, Allegheny, and Monongahela Rivers while supporting economic growth and regional environmental stewardship.