Untreated wastewater overflows into Maryland creek
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Thursday, October 29, 2009; 4:33 PM
An estimated 130,000 gallons of wastewater flowed into a Maryland creek Wednesday after a valve was accidentally opened and heavy rains caused a high flow at the Piscataway Wastewater Treatment Plant in Accokeek.
Untreated, diluted wastewater streamed into Piscataway Creek from 6:10 a.m. to 10:16 a.m., according to the plant's operator, the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission.
The overflow was cleaned up about 5 p.m., and 17 signs about it were posted in the area.
WSSC spokeswoman Lyn Riggins said the overflow had little impact since most recreational activities at the creek take place in the spring and summer months.
She said the overflow was caused by heavy rains this week and an operator who accidentally opened a valve.
WSSC notified the Maryland Department of the Environment and the Prince George's County Health Department about the overflow.
The last major overflow within the WSSC district was May 23, when 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 in Laurel.
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