FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 26, 2010

Grease Leads to Sewer Spill

CARY, NC – An abundance of grease led to a 1,723-gallon sanitary sewer overflow from a surcharging manhole near the 900 block of Hampshire Court. The Town was alerted to the spill by an observant citizen around 9 a.m. on January 25. The waste reached an unnamed tributary of Walnut Creek. No fish kill was observed.

“Despite heavy rains, our crews were able to quickly locate and clear the blockage,” said Town of Cary’s Chief of Utility Maintenance Sam Tingler. “We encourage residents to participate in the Town’s Residential Waste Cooking Oil Disposal Program to reduce these problems in the future.”

To decrease such incidents, the Town of Cary last summer launched a full-time, safe disposal option for residential waste cooking oils; Cary residents can now collect their cooking oils, fats and greases in a sealable container and when at least a half gallon has been saved, contact the Town to schedule a pickup. The first of its kind known in the state, the program is aimed at reducing sewer blockage/over flows, accidental spills and disposals in landfills. Since 2006, fats, oils and greases contributed to more than 20,000 gallons of untreated wastewater being discharged into Cary area streams, creeks and lakes.

The Clean Water Act requires public notice in the form of a news release issued by public works operators within 48 hours of the detection of a wastewater overflow of 1,000 gallons or greater that also reaches surface waters. Paid advertisements are also necessary for spills in excess of 14,999 gallons.

For more information about Fats, Oils and Grease Control, visit www.townofcary.org.

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PRIMARY CONTACTS:
Sam Tingler, Chief of Utility Maintenance, (919) 469-4399
Deanna Boone, Deputy Public Information Officer, (919) 462-3908
Susan Moran, Public Information Officer, 460-4951