News release from the city of College Station:
Heavy rains contributed to a pair of overflows from the City of College Station wastewater collection system early Saturday afternoon. The overflows stopped when the rain slowed, and operators cleaned and disinfected the areas.
About 126,000 gallons were estimated to have overflowed from a manhole on Longmire Drive, while about 192,000 gallons overflowed from a manhole at Bent Oak Street and Emerald Forest Parkway.
Because of the heavy rains and runoff, no environmental issues are expected. The wastewater overflowed into Burton, Wolf Pen, and Bee Creeks, all of which flow into Carters Creek.
Wastewater spills of any size should be reported immediately to College Station Utilities Dispatch at 855-528-4278 (4CSU).
The public should avoid contact with waste material, soil, or water in and around the areas affected. Those who contact potentially contaminated materials should bathe and wash their clothes thoroughly as soon as possible.
Text of the notification the city of College Station sent to TCEQ:
Information about the Discharge
An unauthorized discharge or spill of wastewater has occurred from:
Wastewater Treatment Facility: ____ Collection System: X
Facility Name: City of College Station wastewater collection system
Person to contact for information: David Coleman, Water Services Director 979-764-3660
Location of spill(s): 1. Manhole at 2536 Longmire Dr. between Deacon and Brothers Blvd. near Longmire Park, 2. Manhole at Bent Oak St. and Emerald Parkway.
Estimated date and time of spill(s): 1. Saturday October 24 2015 between 12:45 PM and 10:15 PM 2. Saturday October 24 2015 between 2:00 PM and 10:00 PM
Estimated volume of spill(s) (number of gallons): 1. Estimated to be 126,000 gallons, based on 200 gallons per minute flow. 2. Estimated to be 192,000 gallons based on 400 gallons per minute flow
Type of Spill (domestic, industrial, other): domestic wastewater
Description of the area potentially affected, including down gradient and lateral distance from spill(s) site: The area affected includes Bee Creek flowing east from Longmire Drive and immediately downstream of the location of each spill.
Suspected cause of spill(s): Heavy rainfall contributed to inflow in the wastewater collection system, which caused the manholes to overflow.
List of actions taken including but, not limited to:
Appropriate local government officials and the TCEQ regional office have been notified.
Precautionary Statements:
Because the spill is estimated to be over 100,000 gallons, the following precautionary actions are recommended:
1. Persons using private drinking water supply wells located within ½ mile of the spill site or within the potentially affected area should use only water that has been distilled or boiled at a rolling boil for at least one minute for all personal uses including drinking, cooking, bathing, and tooth brushing. Individuals with private water wells should have their well water tested and disinfected, if necessary, prior to discontinuing distillation or boiling.
2. Persons who purchase water from a public water supply may contact their water supply distributor to determine if the water is safe for personal use.
3. The public should avoid contact with waste material, soil, or water in the area potentially affected by the spill.
4. If the public comes into contact with waste material, soil, or water potentially affected by the spill, they should bathe and wash clothes thoroughly as soon as possible.