Heavy Rain Leads to Arbutus Sewage Overflow

Baltimore County Department of Public Works announced that recent heavy rainfall contributed to a sewage overflow from a 24-inch main on the 1200-block of Sulphur Spring Road.

According to spokesperson David Fidler, more than 10,000 gallons of sewage began leaking from the pipe, located near Sulphur Spring and Council Street, on Sept. 7. The sewage spill is ongoing, Fidler said.

Sewage from the overflow is spilling into the West Branch of Herbert Run. The county's health department will monitor the water quality of Herbert Run, but has not yet issued a warning to the public about contact with the water.

A water quality advisory remains in effect for the Patapsco River, from Ilchester Road downstream to the river's mouth at the Inner Harbor.

A pumping station in Ilchester was one of a dozen that lost power during hurricane Irene, allowing sewage to overflow into the Patapsco. In addition, a ruptured 54-inch sewage pipe in Baltimore Highlands spilled about 100 million gallons of untreated waste water into the river.

The county health department reminds residents:

• Watch out for cloudy or discolored water in streams, rivers, or the bay, and of waters that are laden with debris.
• Do not drink stream water.
• Avoid contact with potentially contaminated water if you have open cuts or bandaged wounds. If you contact contaminated water, wash any damaged skin as soon as possible.
• Minimize hand-to-mouth contact, and be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before eating.