CARY, NC – A sewer overflow occurred at the pump station at 411 Baker Road in northern Cary when power went out because of the winter storm. Between 3500-4000 gallons of untreated waste made its way to an unnamed tributary of Crabtree Creek.

A significant number of downed power lines tangled in trees prevented access to the station. Portable generators were available and ready once access was gained. A large number of wastewater pumping stations are equipped with on-site auxiliary generators. The Town has leased additional portable generators units to manage the wide spread power outage.

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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