WASHINGTON SUBURBAN SANITARY COMMISSION 14501 Sweitzer Lane, Laurel, Maryland 20707-5902. (301) 206-8100. Fax:(301) 206-8186. E-Mail:communications@wsscwater.com

SANITARY SEWER OVERFLOW
BROAD CREEK PUMPING STATION,
FORT WASHINGTON, MARYLAND

LAUREL, MD (February 11, 2008): An area-wide power outage caused a Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) yesterday, February 10, 2008, at WSSC’s Broad Creek Pumping Station in Fort Washington, MD. The overflow began after 5 p.m. last night. An estimated 4.6 million gallons of untreated wastewater overflowed into a canal that leads to Broad Creek.

Pepco restored power about 3 a.m. today and the pumping station is back in service. The Maryland Department of the Environment and the Prince George’s County Health Department have been notified of the situation. WSSC crews and contractors are taking the required steps to mitigate the situation. Crews are working to remove all debris from the site and dispose of it properly. Lime has been applied to the affected ground areas. Signs have been posted in the area.

WSSC is committed to protecting the health of the public and the environment. With more than 5,300 miles of sewer mains throughout its service area, WSSC appreciates notification from citizens if a sewer back up is suspected. Citizens can call 301-206-4002 or toll free 1-800-828-6439 at any time to report water or sewer emergencies in Prince George's or Montgomery counties.

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WSSC is the 8th largest water and wastewater utility in the nation, serving more than 1.8 million residents in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties. We operate and maintain seven water and wastewater plants, nearly 5,500 miles of fresh water pipeline and more than 5,300 miles of sewer pipeline. In our 89-year history, we have never had a drinking water quality violation.