April 24, 2018 – Charlotte Water (CLTWater) crews responded to a broken wastewater pipe near Oakdale Road on April 23rd. Crews estimate approximately 15.4 million gallons reached Long Creek, part of the Catawba River Watershed. Drinking water supplies are not impacted by this spill.

At approximately 5:30 p.m. Monday, CLTWater received information from Mecklenburg County regarding a sewer odor and fish kill. CLTWater crews discovered a broken 30-inch wastewater pipe at the confluence of McIntyre Creek and Long Creek. It appears recent storms caused trees to fall and erosion of the stream bank up to 50 feet in some places. The wastewater pipe, undermined by the debris, heavy flows and erosion, fell into Long Creek under its own weight.

Ongoing storms and rushing water made containment of the spill challenging for crews. By 10:45 a.m. Tuesday the spill was stopped and crews began cleanup and pumping operations so that no further wastewater will spill.

CLTWater will begin the process of reinforcing the pumping operation with heavy duty bypass lines and pumps. Contractors are also onsite designing the repair. The timeline for repairs is not yet known.

North and South Carolina officials have been notified as well as downstream residents and businesses. Mecklenburg County officials have announced a no swim advisory for this area downstream of Long Creek until further notice.

Related blog post: Crews respond to Long Creek Wastewater Spill