VALDOSTA, Ga. (WTXL)--After more than two and a half inches of heavy rain in less than an hour, city leaders say two manholes overflowed. Crews were able to stop the spills within two and half hours.
To fix the problems, the city has implemented several projects that seek to eliminate the inflow and infiltration occurrences in the sanitary sewer collection system. This includes the $32 million Force Main Project and the relocation of the Withlacoochee Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Here's more information from the City of Valdosta:
Below are the locations and estimates calculated for these major spills, which have entered the waters of the state and have been reported to the Environmental Protection Division:
· A manhole in the 600 block of Scott Drive overflowed into Sugar Creek. The estimated overflow is approximately 15,000 gallons.
· A manhole on Remer Lane overflowed into Sugar Creek. Approximately 22,000 gallons overflowed into Sugar Creek.
Upstream and downstream samplings have begun in the various impacted waterways between River Street and 1825 Norman Drive. The areas surrounding these spills are also being cleaned and disinfected. Public notice signs have been posted downstream from these spill locations, and the public is advised to avoid any contact with these areas.
In June, the City of Valdosta broke ground on the Force Main Project, which includes the construction of a 6.2-mile force main, a series of new pump stations, and a new headworks structure and 6-million gallon flow equalization basin to be located at the site of the new WWTP.
In January 2013, the city also began a smoke testing program for the entire wastewater collection system in 60-mile increments each year. To date, 120 miles of the sewer system has been tested. Next year, an additional 60 miles of the remaining sections of the sewer system will be completed, followed by 120 miles of smoke testing in the final year. The process is helping the city identify and eliminate sources of stormwater inflow and infiltration that occur during heavy rain events and that cause increased flows and possible wastewater surcharges in the system.
In addition, the city has implemented a Sewer Manhole Replacement / Rehabilitation Program, a Pump Station Replacement / Rehabilitation Program, Pump Station Emergency Portable Generators, and several other preventive maintenance projects.
You can get more information by contacting City of Valdosta Environmental Manager John Waite at (229) 259-3592 or at jwaite@valdostacity.com.
