With a slight scent still lingering in the air Wednesday morning, city crews continued their work on a damaged north Abilene sewer line near Cedar Creek.
Personnel from the Water Utilities Dept. are using heavy equipment in the cleanup, remediation and disinfection in the creek bed following a sanitary sewer overflow in the city’s wastewater collection system near E. N. 7th St. , according to a Tuesday news release. A sewer overflow is described as “the accidental release of untreated wastewater from a sanitary sewer system” before it can reach the treatment plant.
The overflow occurred in the creek beside and north of Stevenson Park. More than 100,000 gallons of wastewater entered Cedar Creek but city officials state the park remains unaffected. The observed activity at this time appears to be confined to the north side of the E.N. 7th Street bridge.
Officials didn’t specify what date the overflow began but are pointing to a possible blockage or sewer line collapse in the wake of heavy rains earlier in the week as a likely cause. Crews are using bypass-pumping to isolate the overflow and affect repairs to the line.
Following Texas Commission on Environmental Quality regulations, the city will take samples from various locations along Cedar Creek to monitor any effects to the waterway’s environment. Cleanup and disinfection were begun immediately, the release reads.
Officials go on to state that Abilene’s drinking water was unaffected by the sewage spill, though the public should avoid contact with waste material, soil or water in the barricaded area. Those who do come into contact should wash themselves and launder their clothing immediately.
Those with private water wells within one-half mile of the site should purify water for drinking, cooking bathing and toothbrushing by using either distilled water or water heated to a rolling boil for at least one minute. Officials advise private well owners to continue boiling their water until they have it tested and approved for consumption.
Contact the city at 325-676-6200 and ask for Water Administration for further information. For emergencies and after-hour calls, dial 325-676-6000.
This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: Abilene crews cleaning, restoring Cedar Creek sewer line after overflow
Reporting by Ronald W. Erdrich, Abilene Reporter-News / Abilene Reporter-News
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