Sanitary Sewer Overflow Stopped

Green banner with DPW logo and text "Department of Public Works Press Release"

BALTIMORE, MD - The Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) today announced that a sanitary sewer overflow, originating in the 200 block of North Hilton Street, has been stopped. The initial estimate of overflow released is approximately 46,000 gallons. It entered the storm drain and the Gwynns Falls. Signs have been posted.

The overflow was reported to DPW last night and was stopped at 10 a.m. today. It was caused by a combination of grease, rags, sand, gravel, rocks, trash and roots blocking the flow in the sewer line. 

The Baltimore City Health Department and the Maryland Department of the Environment have been notified.

The Department of Public Works reminds everyone that FOG - Fats, Oils and Grease - should not be washed or flushed down the drain. Rags, paper towels, and wipes should also be kept out of drains. 

The Baltimore City Department of Public Works is in the construction phase of a $1 billion plus Consent Decree rehabilitation of our sewage line system. This is in addition to other proactive programs to reduce tree roots in our mains, to address sewer lateral blockages, to improve flow to, and storage at, our wastewater treatment plants, and to educate businesses and the public about the damage caused by FOG in our sewers.

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