In late September a private contractor, working for another utility, struck a major sewer line in South Baltimore. Although the initial flow had been stopped, additional overflows, separate from, but related to the damage, started up due to heavy rainfalls. This wastewater overflowed into the Gwynns Falls, near where it enters the Middle Branch of the Patapsco River.

As of this week all overflows, estimated at 1,740,020, are stopped. Full repairs will not be completed for several weeks. 

The following are the overflow totals for the three locations:

1. Annapolis Road & Kent Street:

This location originally overflowed October 4 - estimate of 378,600 gallons.

An additional overflow occurred from October 10 to October 13 – estimate of 1,224,750.

2. Annapolis Road & Clare Street:

Overflowed on October 6 - estimate of 73,170 gallons.

3. 2100 block Sidney Avenue:

Overflowed on October 9 - estimate of  63,500 gallons.

The Baltimore City Health Department and the Maryland Department of the Environment have been notified of this incident.

The public is reminded to avoid contact with urban waterways due to the risk of pollution. For more information about health concerns as a result of sewer overflows please go to http://health.baltimorecity.gov/sanitary-sewer-overflows-sso.