WILMINGTON — On Feb. 21, 2:30 p.m., North Carolina Department of Transportation construction crews broke a pipe that contained residuals moving from the Sweeney Water Treatment Plant to the Northside Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Though mostly water, the “sludge” contained particulate material removed from Cape Fear River water during the treatment process. Around 7,650 gallons entered Smith Creek. A section of the broken pipe, located below the bridge on Cornelius Harnett Drive, was replaced by a contractor.
CFPUA staff at Sweeney are now storing the residuals in a tank and have ceased pumping through the pipe. A temporary truck hauling operation is also being set up. The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality has been notified.
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