LAUREL, MD, May 23, 2009:  WSSC crews have stopped a Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) near 830 White Way in Laurel, Maryland at 10:36 a.m. today. An estimated 20,475 gallons of untreated wastewater overflowed into a wooded area and a large storm drain leading to an unnamed tributary of the Patuxent River. The cause was heavy rocks and debris due to tampering.

 

The overflow first began at 8:46 p.m. on Friday, May 22nd and ended at 10:36 a.m. on Saturday, May 23rd.

 

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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