In Tyler, Texas, a 42-in. sewer main collapsed on April 30 at a city of Tyler water utilities plant. The collapse resulted in more than 100,000 gal of sewage spilling.
Tyler City Spokesperson Jenny Wells said the pumps have stopped and diverted the flow of wastewater into Blackfork Creek as of 7 p.m. May 1. According to KLTV, crews will continue to assess the damage for a repair plan on the sewer main.
On May 1, the city of Tyler released a statement saying the spill was the result of erosion from heavy rainfall. The spill happened around 5 p.m. at Blackfork Creek.
According to KLTV, the spill has not been contained and the city has initiated increased monitoring of the water supply systems. Also, pumps and equipment are en route to fix the break and pipe emergency repairs are being coordinated with Shull Construction. The spill will be contained once by-pass pumps are installed, according to KLTV.
Cleanup and monitoring is being provided by Tyler Water Utilities for the water conditions upstream and downstream of the discharge for the next few days to make sure the water quality has not been compromised. According to KLTV, The incident has been reported to the Texas Commission on the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Local government officials also were notified.
According to KLTV, Tyler officials say there are no homes with a private water supply near the facility and no one has been impacted. Officials are now encouraging residents to do the following: do not swim in affected area streams, ponds or lakes; those using private drinking water supply wells located within 1/2-mile of the spill site or within the affected area should use only water that has been distilled or boiled at a rolling boil for one minute for all personal uses, including drinking, cooking, bathing, and tooth brushing; those with private water wells should have their well water tested and disinfected, if necessary, prior to discontinuing distillation or boiling; and the public should also avoid contact with waste material, soil, or water in the area affected by the spill.
