The Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) has stopped a sewer overflow from a large main in South Baltimore.

A private contractor, working for another utility, struck the line in late September. Earlier this week, wastewater from this break began overflowing into the Gwynns Falls, near where it enters the Middle Branch of the Patapsco River, 

The incident occurred in the Westport area, on Kent Street near Sidney Avenue. The flow was stopped this morning, and totaled approximately 378,600 gallons. 

Much of the overflow is contained in a pit and is being pumped to another sewer line. This will allow for repairs to the main to take place.   

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

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