ROOTS CAUSE SANITARY SEWER OVERFLOW IN SALT LAKE

(Tuesday, April 20, 2010) – The city's Department of Environmental Services responded this evening to a sanitary sewer overflow in the Salt Lake area.

The call came in at 5:45 p.m. about a backup at an apartment complex.  An ENV crew arrived at the scene at 6:20 p.m.   The cleanout was released at 6:45 p.m. and the site secured at 7:50 p.m.

Roots clogged a 6-inch lateral at 2949 Ala Ilima Street.  An estimated 60 gallons dissipated into the ground while 1,200 gallons of raw wastewater entered a storm drain.  Because of vegetation in the storm drain, it is unsure if the spill will discharge into Salt Lake near the Hawaii Country Club Golf Course. 

ENV notified the state Department of Health who waived water sampling at this time.  The affected area was cleaned, disinfected and deodorized.  Signing will begin at first light in the morning if necessary.           

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Contact:  Markus Owens, ENV Public Communications Officer, 768-3454