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Several Thousand Gallons Of Sewage Leak Into Deep Creek Lake

September 12th, 2016 by WCBC Radio

On Sunday, September 11, 2016, at approximately 10:15 a.m., the Garrett County Department of Public Works – Utilities Division (DPW-U) Maintenance Division received a call notifying the department of a sanitary sewer leak at 2518 Mayhew Inn Rd.  Upon receiving notification, response staff were dispatched to the location.  At approximately 10:45 a.m. DPW-U maintenance personnel arrived at 2518 Mayhew Inn Rd and observed sewage surfacing on the property, and running downgrade and along the roadside ditch to an adjacent stream and through a culvert between 2518 and 2560 Mayhew Inn Rd and into Deep Creek Lake.  It was determined that the leak was originating from the 1 ½-inch service lateral serving 2518 Mayhew Inn Rd.  At approximately 11:00 a.m., the road valve for the service lateral was located and shutoff, which stopped the leak and allowed for the repairs.  At approximately 3:00 p.m., DPW-U personnel completed repairs to service lateral serving 2518 Mayhew Inn Rd and returned the system to service.

 

Based on the approximate rate of the spill, it was estimated the overflow volume was 1,860 gallons. 

 

At approximately 11:20 a.m., DPW-U personnel contacted the Garrett County Health Department (GCHD). MDNR Lake Management was informed of the sewer overflow at approximately 1:10 p.m.  At the same time, DPW-U personnel began sampling the stream and lake in the location of the overflow, and at upstream and downstream locations.  To the extent possible, the area of the overflow was cleaned and hydrated lime was applied to the affected areas by DPW-U personnel.  DPW-U personnel also posted signs warning of the overflow at properties and docks along the shoreline in the affected area.  The posted warning signs and sampling will continue until acceptable levels are reported. 

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