WASHINGTON SUBURBAN SANITARY COMMISSION 14501 Sweitzer Lane, Laurel, Maryland 20707-5902. (301) 206-8100. Fax:(301) 206-8186. E-Mail:communications@wsscwater.com

Sanitary Sewer Overflow at Piscataway
Wastewater Treatment Plant
Accokeek, Maryland

LAUREL, MD (October 28, 2009): High flow as a result of heavy rains and the accidental opening of a valve contributed to a Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) today at WSSC’s Piscataway Wastewater Treatment Plant in Accokeek, Maryland. The SSO began at 6:10 a.m. and ended at 10:16 a.m., sending an estimated 130,000 gallons of untreated, diluted wastewater into Piscataway Creek.

The Maryland Department of the Environment and the Prince George’s County Health Department have been notified of the overflow. WSSC crews are taking the required steps to mitigate the situation, conducting clean-up and posting signs in the area.

WSSC is committed to protecting the health of the public and the environment. With more than 5,400 miles of sewer mains throughout its service area, WSSC appreciates notification from citizens if a sewer back up is suspected. Citizens can call 301-206-4002 or toll free 1-800-828-6439 at any time to report water or sewer emergencies in Prince George's or Montgomery counties.

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Established in 1918, today WSSC is the 8th largest water and wastewater utility in the nation, with a network of more than 5,500 miles of fresh water pipeline and nearly 5,400 miles of sewer pipeline. Serving 1.8 million residents in Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties our drinking water has always met or exceeded federal standards.