Report of Major Spill to Waters of the State at Dukes Bay Canal
On March 4, 2013, at approximately 11:30 a.m., a Utilities Department crew located an active sewer spill on the west bank of Dukes Bay Canal, behind 1810 South Patterson Street. This portion of Dukes Bay Canal is bordered by Tucker Road on the north and Gil Harbin Industrial Boulevard on the south. The spill was caused by the rupture of a 15-inch concrete sewer main. The failed portion of sewer main will be replaced by a contractor on March 5, 2013.
Approximately 100,000 gallons of untreated wastewater has entered the waters of the state at Dukes Bay Canal. The public is advised to avoid contact with Dukes Bay Canal south of Tucker Road, until normal conditions are restored. Signs warning of the major spill are being placed at public access areas downstream of the spill location. Upstream and downstream sampling of Dukes Bay Canal began this morning.
The local contractor, hired to replace the section of failed sewer main, began the work first thing this morning and is expected to be complete with the work by this afternoon.
Questions or comments concerning this spill should be directed to Environmental Manager John Waite at jwaite@valdostacity.com or (229) 259-3592.
