Sewer Main Blockage Causes Spill

On December 2nd, 2023, Stormwater Standby Personnel responded to a potential issue in the 2100 Block of Pin Oak Circle. Upon arrival, the Stormwater Personnel discovered Sanitary Sewage exiting the cleanouts of four homes. Utilities: Central Line division was already enroute, and it was determined that an unknown obstruction in the line was likely the cause of the issue. City staff quickly dislodged the blockage. An estimated 6,300 gallons of wastewater were released from the four cleanouts into One Mile Branch. City staff immediately began cleanup procedures and disinfection at the overflow location. Utilities: Central Line Division will be back on-site on December 4th, 2023, to check the line for other potential obstructions. All appropriate regulatory and public health agencies have been notified.

Preventing sewer spills has been, and will continue to be, the city’s top priority through the ongoing Collection System Rehab Program. This program includes Manhole Rehab, the Smoke Testing Program, Sewer Main Lining, and Sewer Main Replacement. In addition, the Utilities Department has an ongoing River Sampling Program that tests waters at different locations down the Withlacoochee River. The department has also continued to install generators at the lift stations to ensure uninterrupted operation during power failures.

In addition to the programs listed above, in 2020, the Utilities Department initiated two additional programs: the “Creek Crossing” program and the “Cap the Cleanout” program. These programs aim to help locate Infiltration and Inflow in the Collection System. They are designed to specifically check each manhole and sewer line on or near water to verify proper operation and ensure each house has its cleanout cap installed and the cleanout is in working order.

The city will continue its ongoing efforts to improve the infrastructure of the sewer system to eliminate these issues in the future. For more information, please contact the City of Valdosta Utilities Department, Environmental Division at 229-259-3592.