City Responds to Sanitary Sewer Overflow Caused by Debris Buildup

At approximately 11:51 a.m. on Feb. 15, 2016, the City of Valdosta Utilities Department staff responded to call concerning a sanitary sewer spill at the 2500 block of Bemiss Road. A blockage was identified, and the stormwater drain and its discharge point into the stream was cleaned and disinfected.

City staff removed a blockage from the sewer line that caused approximately 1,450 gallons of sewer to spill into a storm drain that drains into Two Mile Branch. The blockage was caused by a buildup of debris along with rags that had accumulated around them. The city has done extensive manhole rehabilitation throughout the city in recent years and is in phase 5 of this process at this time. This particular area is scheduled for manhole rehabilitation in the near future.

Although the level of potential contamination to the creek is minimal, the public is advised to avoid contact with the water adjacent to the 2500 block of Bemiss Road for the next seven days. Warning signs have been posted at that location.

For more information, contact the Utility Department Environmental Manager Scott Fowler at 229-259-3592.