Sachse Sewer Overflowing Wastewater
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SACHSE (CBSDFW.COM) — A manhole connected to a sanitary sewer is overflowing wastewater in a field northeast of Dallas.
The manhole, which is near the intersection of Miles Road and Hudson Drive, is not next to any houses, said Greg Peters, director of public works and engineering for the City of Sachse. It began overflowing around 9 p.m. Friday night and isn't expected to let up until the weather eases on Sunday, according to the press release.
Peters said there are no signs of health risks, but the city is advising certain residents to boil drinking water.
"Because the excessive amount of rainwater has greatly diluted the fluid in the sewer system, there are no apparent signs environmental or health impacts at this time," Peters said in the press release.
As flooding increases, manholes around Willow Lake have become submerged. Water leaking through the bolted-shut manhole covers has increased pressure on the sewer system, causing this downstream manhole to overflow, the release said.
Anticipating the overflow to continue through Sunday, the city estimates nearly 150,000 gallons of wastewater will flow out of the manhole. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality requires the public to be notified when an overflow exceeds 100,000 gallons, the release said.The city advises people using private drinking water supply wells within a half-mile of the manhole or in the affected area to only use water that has been distilled or boiled at a rolling boil for at least one minute for personal uses, including drinking, cooking, bathing and tooth-brushing. Those with private wells should have them tested and disinfected, if necessary.Those who use a public water supply can contact their distributor regarding the safety of their water, the city said. Residents should avoid contact with waste material and affected soil and water in the area.The city is monitoring the overflow and the sewer system and has notified local and TECQ officials.
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