Sanitary Sewer Overflows Totals Reported

Monday Oct 3rd, 2016

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

The Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) estimates that 2.1 million gallons of rain water combined with waste water was released from three structured overflows, into the Jones Falls, during heavy rains on Thursday, September 29. These occurrences were announced last week.  

The overflows occurred at the following structured outfalls: North Charles and West Lanvale Streets, 106,000 gallons; 1901 Falls Road, 355,000 gallons; and 428 E. Preston St., 1.6 million gallons.

Structured outfalls were designed into the City’s sewer system more than 100 years ago to provide such releases when the sewers became inundated with rainwater. 

The Baltimore City Health Department and the Maryland Department of the Environment were notified of the releases.

The public is reminded to avoid contact with urban waterways due to the risks from pollution. For more information about health concerns as a result of sewer overflows please go to http://health.baltimorecity.gov/sanitary-sewer-overflows-sso.

Baltimore City continues renewal of our wastewater system as mandated by a $1 billion-plus Consent Decree with the State and Federal governments.

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