Press Release from WSSC about Sanitary Sewer Overflow along Patuxent River:
Overflow Stopped Once Temporary Pumping Operation Established
| News Release
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Drinking Water System NOT Impacted
Laurel, Md. – March 30, 2019 – WSSC crews quickly responded to a Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) that was discovered at 8:24 a.m. Saturday in Laurel. The SSO occurred in a wooded area near 227 Patuxent Road and flowed into the Patuxent River.
Once on the scene, crews found a broken 21-inch sewer main in a creek. WSSC immediately mobilized contractors to set up equipment to pump the wastewater around the broken section of pipe. The overflow was stopped at 4:15 p.m. today. The volume is estimated to be 47,100 gallons.
Since there are trails in the area of the overflow, barricades have been set up to limit access while the pumping operation is in place and repairs can be made. Signs have also been posted warning people to avoid the area.
It is important to note that WSSC’s water and wastewater systems are separate. This overflow is NOT affecting WSSC’s drinking water.
WSSC has made appropriate notifications to the Maryland Department of the Environment and the Prince George’s County Health Department.
WSSC is committed to protecting the health of the public and the environment. With more than 5,500 miles of sewer mains throughout its service area, WSSC appreciates notifications from citizens if a sewer overflow or water main break is suspected. Citizens can call WSSC’s 24-hour Emergency Call Center at 301-206-4002 to report water or sewer emergencies in Prince George’s or Montgomery counties. Customers can also report emergencies via email at [email protected] and those customers who have smart phones can report emergencies using the WSSC Mobile App.
