The Baltimore City Department of Public Works estimates that 11,000 gallons of rainwater, mixed with sewer water, overflowed into the Jones Falls following heavy downpours on the morning of Monday, Oct. 9, 2017. This incident lasted about an hour, and it occurred underground in a structured overflow at North Charles and West Lanvale Streets.  It did not spill onto any streets. The Baltimore City Health Department and the Maryland Department of the Environment were notified of this release.

Structured overflows were designed as part of Baltimore’s sewer system more than 100 years ago. They are being eliminated as part of the City’s $2 billion Consent Decree sewer rehabilitation work. Structured overflows act as release valves when the pipes are surcharged with rainwater that enters the sewer mains during significant storms.

At a separate location in Northwest Baltimore, DPW engineers are investigating a potential sewer line blockage in the 3400 block of Glen Avenue.  Since Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, this site has experienced three smaller intermittent overflows during dry-weather conditions. This structured overflow location is also below ground and enters into a storm drain that flows to the Jones Falls.

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