Manhole Overflows Due to WPCP Failed Influent Pumps
For Immediate Release Release #: 08-12-06 August 16, 2012
Both pumps at the City of Valdosta’s Influent Pump Station located at the Withlacoochee Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP)—which treats all sewage for two-thirds of city sewer customers—failed on Aug. 16, at about 1 a.m.
Immediate investigation of the station found that the pumps had quickly become fully submerged, causing them to not function.
Godwin Pumps has been contracted to establish a bypass system for the failed pumps, and this work is expected to be complete this afternoon. The actual cause and specific repair needs will be known after the temporary bypass pump system is placed into service later today and the station is pumped out.
Manhole overflows are expected in the following low-lying areas of the city:
- Meadowbrook Drive area, which flows into the Two Mile Branch;
- Park Lane area, which flows into Sugar Creek; and
- Ross Road area, which flows into One Mile Branch.
Until the bypass pumps are put in place and the plant resumes normal wastewater treatment operations, the city urges citizens to reduce their overall use of water. The reduction in water used for washing, flushing and showering will minimize sewer spills in these low lying areas of the city.
The plant was severely damaged by the presidentially-declared disaster in the flood of 2009.
Warning signs have been placed at these spill sites and at downstream public access points. Questions regarding this minor spill may be directed to Environmental Manager John Waite at (229) 259-3592 orjwaite@valdostacity.com or the city’s Public Information Office at (229) 259-3548.
