The Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) has responded to a sanitary sewer overflow in the 2400 block of Talbot Road in Windsor Hills.  It is estimated that a break on a century-old sewer main has released more than 10,000 gallons of wastewater/stormwater. More detailed overflow totals will be provided when the overflow is stopped. The main is 25 feet deep, and a DPW contractor is mobilizing this afternoon to bypass it, then excavate and repair the line. Because of the location an access road will need to be built to the site, and extensive shoring of the excavation will have to occur. This will take several days.

The overflow has reached the Gwynns Falls and the stream has been posted.

The Department of Public Works is rehabilitating the City's aging sewer infrastructure as part of a $1 billion-plus Consent Decree with the State and Federal Governments. Ongoing sewer work is occurring throughout Baltimore City. 

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

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