By Greg Gullberg
March 05, 2013
Valdosta, GA - There's another raw sewage spill in Valdosta, but this one has nothing to do with flooding.
Glorice Ferrell says it makes her skin crawl to know 100,000 gallons of raw sewage is floating down the Dukes Bay Canal just behind her house on South Patterson Street.
"It's really creepy. That raw sewage, you don't know what's in it. (I) want to stay away from that," said Ferrell.
Now there's no need to worry about your drinking water. This canal is not used to supply anyone's personal wells or utility water for the city or county. But you do want to steer clear and not touch it.
Crews were out all day Tuesday working to fix the busted sewer main. Built up pressure caused it to burst open. It was made of concrete. City officials tell us they don't build them with concrete anymore for exactly that reason.
"It's not the best especially for sewers because sewer gases really attack those pipes and cause them to fail a lot sooner than you would see a clay pipe or a PBC pipe," said Henry Hicks, Utility Services Director for the City of Valdosta.
Crews are out sampling the water and making sure it's safe. But Ferrell says she's just so grossed out it could be a while before she goes back over there again.
Questions or comments concerning this spill should be directed to Environmental Manager John Waite at jwaite@valdostacity.com or (229) 259-3592.
Residents Warned of Sewage Contamination in Valdosta