LAUREL, MD, May 23, 2009:  Heavy rocks and debris caused a Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) near 830 White Way in Laurel, Maryland . Over 10,000 gallons of untreated wastewater have overflowed into a wooded area and a large storm drain leading to an unnamed tributary of the Patuxent River. Crews are working at the site to stop the SSO.

 

The overflow first began at 8:46 p.m. on Friday, May 22nd and ended at 2:45 a.m. on Saturday, May 23rd. This incident caused an estimated total of 8,970 gallons of untreated wastewater. The overflow began again at 5:15 a.m. on Saturday, May 23rd at an estimated flow of 5 gallons per minute and crews are still working on the scene to restore the area.

 

WSSC is committed to protecting the health of the public and the environment. The Maryland Department of the Environment and the Prince George’s County Health Department have been notified of the situation. Signs warning citizens have been posted in the area.

 

With nearly 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.

 

WSSC also offers a Customer Notification System (CNS) designed to alert our customers by e-mail and/or text message when an incident affects their service or daily routine. Anyone with an address of interest in WSSC’s service area is encouraged to go to www.wsscwater.com and click on the Customer Notification System logo on the left-hand side to register for this FREE* service. (A customer’s text messaging rates do apply.)

 

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