FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
December 7, 2010

Rags, Paper Debris Lead to Sewer Overflow

CARY, NC – An abundance of industrial-grade rags along with residential paper debris led to an estimated 1,130 gallons of wastewater overflowing a manhole near the 300 block of Glen Echo Lane, Cary. The spill occurred around 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 5, sending waste into Lochmere Lake and an unnamed tributary of Swift Creek. No fish kill was observed.

“Town of Cary crews were able to quickly clear the blockage, clean around the manhole and treat the area with lime,” said Town of Cary’s Chief of Utility Maintenance Sam Tingler. “It’s important to properly dispose of paper, including taking advantage of the Town’s curbside and convenience center waste collection programs.”

The Town of Cary collects curbside recycling every other week on the same day as garbage and yard waste collection; a list of accepted items, including most paper products, can be found at www.townofcary.org. Citizens may also drop off recycling, yard waste and solid waste, including bulky trash, for proper disposal to the Citizens Convenience Center, open every day but Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

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.

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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 Director, (919) 460-4951

Related Links:
Cary Recycles program
Citizens Convenience Center