WSSC Responds to Sanitary Sewer Overflow at Broad Creek Wastewater Pumping Station and Wastewater Spill at Piscataway Water Resource Recovery Facility
Heavy Rain Causes Overflow at Broad Creek / Blockage in Pipe Causes Spill at Piscataway
Drinking Water System NOT Impacted
Laurel, Md. – November 6, 2018 – (RealEstateRama) — Heavy rainfall today led to a Sanitary Sewer Overflow at WSSC’s Broad Creek Wastewater Pumping Station, located at 10315 Livingston Road in Fort Washington.
It is important to note that WSSC’s water and wastewater systems are separate. This overflow is NOT affecting WSSC’s drinking water.
The overflow started this afternoon at 12:08 p.m. and ended at 1:43 p.m. The volume of the overflow is estimated to be 170,000 gallons of diluted wastewater, which entered a drainage ditch that leads to Broad Creek.
The significant amount of rain in a short period of time overwhelmed the pumping station’s five active pumps. A sixth pump is out of service for mechanical repair.
WSSC crews have cleaned up debris around the station, spread lime to neutralize odors as a result of the overflow and have posted 16 signs warning residents to avoid the area.
WSSC also experienced a wastewater spill of approximately 26,000 gallons at its Piscataway Water Resource Recovery Facility on Farmington Road in Accokeek. The spill started at 1:30 p.m. today and ended at 2:20 p.m.
An onsite pipe carrying wastewater became clogged with debris, causing the spill. The partially treated wastewater did reach a storm drain after passing through a bioretention basin on the plant grounds. The clogged pipe was cleared, flushed and the area was cleaned up. Signs will be posted outside the plant grounds as a precaution.
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.
itizens 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 ">
For 100 years, WSSC has proudly served the citizens of Prince George’s and Montgomery counties – providing drinking water that has always met strict Safe Drinking Water Act standards and protecting the environment through vital water resource recovery services. Our vision is to be THE world-class water utility, where excellent products and services are always on tap.
Contact
Lyn Riggins
301-206-4002
