Valdosta, Ga., faces sanitary sewer crisis as 100,000 gallons spill into Withlacoochee River

(UI) — A sewer line collapse sent 100,000 gallons of sewage into a ditch draining into a river, the city of Valdosta said in a statement on Jan. 12. The released sewage entered a drainage ditch, ultimately discharging into the Withlacoochee River.

Utility Central Lines Personnel were dispatched to investigate the incident at 213 Knob Hill Drive on Jan. 10, discovering a sanitary sewer manhole overflowing from the backside of Williamsburg Drive. All Utility divisions were immediately notified, and an investigation revealed the severity of the collapse, prompting urgent measures to assess and address the unfolding situation.

To address the issue, a bypass pump system was urgently installed, allowing personnel access for repairs. The Sanitary Sewer overflow was eventually halted at 12:30 a.m. on January 12, 2024.

The incident highlights the pressing need for the Utilities department in Valdosta to address aging infrastructure, manage programs, and develop new action plans to mitigate future sanitary sewer overflows. The city of Valdosta remains dedicated to allocating significant resources to prevent such occurrences, emphasizing the ongoing challenges in maintaining a reliable sewage system.

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