The Baltimore City Department of Public Works reports that a sanitary sewer overflow into the Gwynns Falls occurred on February 27 and lasted until 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 28, 2017.

This sanitary sewer overflow is estimated to have exceeded 10,000 gallons and entered the Gwynns Falls in the 2600 block of Frederick Avenue. The cause was stormwater infiltration into a 10-inch sanitary sewer mainline that was clogged by debris, rags, and FOG (fats, oils and grease).

Grease balls form along the bottom and sides of sewer lines after cooking grease is dumped down drains instead of wiped into the trash or poured into receptacles to cool so it can be properly sent out with the household trash. Various rags, and even wipes marketed as “flushable,” also snag in sewer lines and also choke sewer lines.

The stream has been posted with warning signs. The Maryland Department of the Environment and the Baltimore City Health Department have been notified.

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

Citizens are encouraged to avoid contact with urban streams due to possible pollution.