WSSC’s Piscataway Wastewater Treatment Plant Experienced an On-Property Wastewater Spill

Drinking Water System NOT Impacted

Laurel – April 6, 2016 – (RealEstateRama) — WSSC’s Piscataway Wastewater Treatment Plant in Accokeek experienced a wastewater spill on-property that started at approximately 3:50 p.m. Wednesday (5/4) and ended this morning (5/5) at 7:15 a.m.

The overflow occurred after the headworks of the treatment plant, from a manhole cover that was pushed open by the water flow, causing partially treated wastewater to spill into a wooded area on the facility grounds. A preliminary analysis shows a possible 1.5 million gallons of partially treated water may have spilled during the event but was contained within the treatment plant grounds. The overflow did not appear to enter any storm drains or reach any body of water.

As a precaution WSSC has posted signs around the area and appropriate notifications have been made to the Maryland Department of the Environment and the Prince George’s County Health Department.

Crews are onsite for ongoing cleanup and are recovering as much of the partially treated wastewater as possible to pump back into the plant drain sewer for full treatment.

WSSC is committed to protecting the health of the public and the environment. With more than 5,400 miles of sewer mains throughout its service area, WSSC appreciates notifications from citizens if a sewer back up is suspected. Citizens can call 301-206-4002 at any time to report water or sewer emergencies in Prince George’s or Montgomery counties.

Established in 1918, today WSSC is among the largest water and wastewater utilities in the nation. We proudly serve the 1.8 million residents of Prince George’s and Montgomery counties, providing life’s most precious resource. WSSC drinking water has always met or exceeded federal standards.

Contact
Luis Maya

301.206.8100