MOULTRIE, Ga. (WTXL) — Medical supplies blocking a manhole in Moultrie has caused an unexpected sewage spill.
2,700 gallons of sewage spilled out onto wetlands near several medical offices in Southeast Moultrie.
Everything from cleaning rags to adult diapers that weren't properly disposed and were flushed down the toilet, ended up stuck in the sewer system.
Now the city of Moultrie is working with local medical facilities in the area to make sure they properly dispose of waste.
"We found all types of medical supplies in there," said Peter Dilliard, City Manager.
Moultrie City Manager says on Jan.2 they were alerted to a sewage spill in the 31st Avenue area.
But like many spills, it wasn't due to equipment failure. Dillard says it was because of medical materials flushed down the toilet from nearby medical facilities that shouldn't have been.
"They form a ball and a blockage and it had blocked the sewer line not completely and that's why the spill was not any larger but enough that there was more going in than it can handle and it was coming out the top," said Dillard.
Luckily, the 2,700 gallons of sewage did not impact any homes but sent a big red flag to city officials and local medical facilities.
Colquitt Regional Medical Center says cleaning wipes can be a big problem if flushed.
"The wipes are like the new fad and they say they are flushable and while they do dissolve it's like flushing a handkerchief down the pipes,"said Dhena, Capital Regional VP.
There is no facility in the area that is solely responsible, but the hospital says they are doing everything they can to help the problem.
"We are actually launching some widespread education for our patients and our staff to just remind them that wipes hurt pipes and not to flush any wipes down our sewage system."
Capital Regional will also be placing signs and waste bins in each restroom as a reminder.
The city says they are proud of their efforts - and will continue to educate the community about proper waste disposal...
" That's the beauty here all of our community members worked together to solve the problem," said Dillard.
For those who live near 31st Avenue officials say the spill was in a wooded high grass area and the majority if the material has already started to break down.
