Valdosta, Georgia- August 8, 2012

On Aug. 7, 2012, a contractor performing rehabilitation work at the Goodyear pump station on Bemiss Road discovered a leak in one of the bypass pumps being used at the job site. This pump was immediately turned off from the system for repair. As a result of the temporary loss of one bypass pump, sewage began to surcharge from a manhole adjacent to the station.

The pump was repaired in a matter of minutes and was restored to service. By 3:45 p.m., the overflow had been stopped.

The surcharge entered Cherry Creek at Bemiss Road resulting in a minor spill to state waters. The city estimates that approximately 1,000 gallons of sewage entered Cherry Creek between 3:15 p.m. and 3:45 p.m.

Warning signs have been placed at the spill site and at downstream public access points.

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Questions regarding this minor spill may be directed to Environmental Manager John Waite at (229) 259-3592 or jwaite@valdostacity.com.