Routine stream sampling by Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) employees has found an underground release of sewage traced to a broken sewer pipe in the 2500 block of W. Lexington St.

DPW engineers identified the leak on Tuesday, Sept. 12, and have determined that the 12 -inch clay sewer pipe built in 1928 is now leaking in four segments.

It is estimated that the ongoing discharge has reached more than 10,000 gallons. None of the sewer overflow has reached the street. The overflow is leaking into a drain that discharges into the Gwynns Falls.

DPW engineers have identified the leaking segments of the pipe, and are implementing plans to have nearly 940 feet of the broken sewer pipe rehabbed by lining.  

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 the risk of pollution. For information about health concerns as a result of sewer overflows please go to http://health.baltimorecity.gov/sanitary-sewer-overflows-sso.