VALDOSTA, Ga. -- After a manhole overflow in Valdosta, City officials are asking residents to dispose of their waste properly.
Valdosta utilities workers discovered the incident, which happened in the Tyndall Drive area, after complaints of a sewer odor. They investigated and found a manhole overflowing on the north side of Inner Perimeter Road, west of Chadwyck Drive. The overflow was caused by a large grease blockage in the sewer main. Once the blockage was cleared, the overflow ceased.
Wastewater from the overflow entered Knights Creek at Inner Perimeter Road. The volume of wastewater entering the creek is estimated to be 20,000 gallons. Due to the possibility of high bacteria counts, the public is advised to avoid contact with Knights Creek from Inner Perimeter Road downstream to Jaycee Shack Road.
The Utilities Department staff is spreading lime for odor control and disinfection and is cleaning the area around the manhole that overflowed.
Residents and businesses should be reminded NOT to dispose of grease by pouring it down the drain or into the sewer collection system. Dumping grease, fats and oil down the drain or into the sewer collection system can clog sewer lines, causing sewage back-ups and flooding that can damage personal and public property. Instead, place cooled grease, fats and oil in sealed non-recyclable containers and discard with your regular garbage.
For more information, contact Environmental Manager John Waite at 229-259-3592 or jwaite@valdostacity.com.
