Sanitary Sewer Overflows Totals Reported

Monday Oct 3rd, 2016

Green banner with DPW logo and text "Department of Public Works Press Release"

The Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) estimates that 2.1 million gallons of rain water combined with waste water was released from three structured overflows, into the Jones Falls, during heavy rains on Thursday, September 29. These occurrences were announced last week.  

The overflows occurred at the following structured outfalls: North Charles and West Lanvale Streets, 106,000 gallons; 1901 Falls Road, 355,000 gallons; and 428 E. Preston St., 1.6 million gallons.

Structured outfalls were designed into the City’s sewer system more than 100 years ago to provide such releases when the sewers became inundated with rainwater. 

The Baltimore City Health Department and the Maryland Department of the Environment were notified of the releases.

The public is reminded to avoid contact with urban waterways due to the risks from pollution. For more information about health concerns as a result of sewer overflows please go to http://health.baltimorecity.gov/sanitary-sewer-overflows-sso.

Baltimore City continues renewal of our wastewater system as mandated by a $1 billion-plus Consent Decree with the State and Federal governments.

Related Stories

Heavy Equipment Deployed to Clear Icy Alleys as Trash Service Continues and Recycling Collection  

To support the resumption of alley-based trash and recycling collection and to protect public safety, the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) will begin a dedicated citywide alley clearing operation on Sunday, February 1, at 7:00 a.m. DPW has engaged a private contractor to deploy bobcats and front-end loaders exclusively for alley clearing. Operations will be organized into four quadrants and will run daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. until alleys are sufficiently cleared.

DPW Offices and Sanitation Yards Closed in Observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day

The Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) Director Matthew Garbark reminds residents that all DPW offices and sanitation yards will be closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, January 19.

DPW Offices and Sanitation Yards Closed in Observance of New Year’s Day

The Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) Director Matthew Garbark reminds residents that all DPW offices and sanitation yards will be closed on New Year’s Day, Thursday, January 1

Visit the Newsroom