The Gainesville Department of Water Resources stopped a sewer overflow into Squirrel Creek, a tributary of Lake Lanier, Wednesday afternoon.
A pipe burst at the City of Gainesville’s Wastewater lift station No. 33 at about 1:45 p.m., according to a release from the city.
DWR maintenance was able to turn the pump off by 2:30 p.m. using remote operational capabilities. After arriving in the area, personnel believed that the overflow only occurred for 45 minutes. The station returned to normal operation within an hour
The Department estimates that about 38,250 gallons of pre-treated wastewater was released from the pipe with most of the spill reaching Squirrel Creek. An assessment of the area did not reveal any dead or distressed aquatic life.
Preliminary on-site water quality testing and comparing samples from upstream of the spill site with downstream samples showed field-tested parameters were minimally impacted. The area was limed for odor control and has been posted as required by the State of Georgia.
The department notified The Georgia Environmental Protection Division of the spill Wednesday afternoon.
DWR will continue to test the affected waterway for the next 12 months, as required by the state, to ensure water quality in the creek.
