Power Outage Results in Wastewater Overflow
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX - A wide spread power outage caused by hurricane Harvey has resulted in a sewage overflow into the La Volla Creek (Oso Creek Tributary No. 10) from the lift station at the City of Corpus Christi’s (the “City’s”) Greenwood Wastewater Treatment Plant, at approximately 5:00 AM on Saturday, August 26, 2017.
It is estimated that the spill resulted in a discharge of approximately 100,000 gallons of domestic wastewater into the adjacent area. City crews responded to the spill area and the City has contacted appropriate officials, including the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s Regional office.
The waters of La Volla Creek in the vicinity of the overflow will be tested and monitored by the City to determine the extent of pollution. Additional advisories will be issued on the status of the water quality and when it is safe to resume normal use of the La Volla Creek.
Discharge of untreated sewage to La Volla Creek may adversely affect the quality of the surface waters. Citizens are advised to avoid swimming or fishing in the areas where warning signs are posted.
This spill does not affect the City of Corpus Christi customer’s drinking water.
The City is required by 30 Tex. Admin. Code Section 319.303(c) to issue the following precautionary statements:
(1) Persons using private drinking water supply wells located within 1/2-mile of the spill site or within the potentially affected area should use only water that has been distilled or boiled at a rolling boil for at least one minute for all personal uses including drinking, cooking, bathing, and tooth brushing. Individuals with private water wells should have their well water tested and disinfected, if necessary, prior to discontinuing distillation or boiling.
(2) Persons who purchase water from a public water supply may contact their water supply distributor to determine if the water is safe for personal use.
(3) The public should avoid contact with waste material, soil, or water in the area potentially affected by the spill.
(4) If the public comes into contact with waste material, soil, or water potentially affected by the spill, they should bathe and wash clothes thoroughly as soon as possible.
For the latest updates on Tropical Storm Harvey, stay connected at www.cctexas.com/harvey. Details are also available at facebook.com/citygov and at twitter.com/cityofcc.