Updated Dec. 13, 8:30 a.m.: The Cape Fear Public Utility Authority has issued a release about yesterday’s sewage leak.
“CFPUA takes Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs) very seriously, and has taken steps to prevent any release of wastewater from the collection system. When such an event does occur, staff is prepared to respond swiftly to assess the situation as they did in yesterday’s spill. It is important to note that during the last five years of operation, CFPUA has reduced the number of state-reportable SSOs by 56 percent and decreased the volume of sewer spilled by 94 percent. These results are compared to the five-year period prior to CFPUA becoming operational in 2008. Wastewater collection system improvements, preventative maintenance, and quick responses by staff all contribute to the improved service,” release stated.”
The release also addressed long-term infrastructure aging which have may contributed to the spill.
“Furthermore, CFPUA has a 10-year Capital Improvement Plan that is supported by our asset management program. Planning for the replacement of aging water and wastewater infrastructure is a major component of the Capital Improvement Plan. The current 10-year plan includes approximately $98 million to pro-actively rehabilitate/replace aging wastewater infrastructure in the collection system,” the release stated.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY — Over the weekend, a broken sewer line in Wrightsville Beach dumped 75,000 gallons of sewage into the Intracoastal Waterway. Today, a broken sewer force main at the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority’s Whiskey Creek Pump spilled an additional 7,500 gallons of untreated waste into the waters near Masonboro Island, according to a release from the CFPUA.
According to Dr. Mike Mallin, a UNCW research professor in the biology and marine biology department, strong tidal activity may help dilute the spills, especially the smaller Whiskey Creek Spill.
“In the grand scheme of things, 7,500 (gallons) is not a lot,” Mallin said.
The Wrightsville Beach spill, however, is cause for concern.
“75,000 gallons is a lot,” Mallin said. “Stay the heck out of the water there for sure. Even if you’re in a small boat and cruising through that area its going to splashing around and you can get it into your face or whatever — that might be a hazard.”
Mallin said the Banks Channel spill would likely have high levels of enterococcal bacteria – found in the human intestinal track and fecal matter. While the town of Wrightsville Beach has reported the spill to state authorities, Mallin said it was still wise to reconsider activity in area.
“It wouldn’t affect the beach, just the inlet area,” Mallin said, adding that activities like boating, stand-up paddle-boarding and sailing could bring people into contact with bacteria from the spill.
Mallin also said that oysters in the area would be able to filter out any pollution, but that it would take time. Mallin recommended the process of “depuration,” or putting shellfish in clean water for a period of time to allow them to filter out any toxins.
Johanna Ferebee contributed to this article.
