Power Failure Results in Sewage Spill

Utilities Division - June 12, 2007
Contact: Kimberly Moore, 727-8418

A power failure at the Archie Elledge Wastewater Treatment Plant last night briefly shut down the plant's influent pumps. Approximately 50,000 gallons of untreated wastewater spilled into Salem Creek.

Because of the rainstorm yesterday evening, Salem Creek was at flood stage during the spill, and no adverse environmental impact was observed. The spill began at 10:15 p.m. and ended at 10:49 p.m. This morning city crews cleaned up any remaining debris from the spill.

Utilities officials reported the spill to the Division of Water Quality in the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

The influent pumps move untreated wastewater from the sewage collection system into the plant for treatment. The pumps lost power when a main power breaker at the plant failed. Power was restored to the pumps in about 14 minutes, but backed-up sewage continued to overflow until 10:49. The plant is at 2801 Griffith Road.