Warning To Avoid Bynum Run Lifted By Harford Co. Officials

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — Signs warning residents to steer clear of any physical contact with the water in the tributary flowing into Bynum Run and all locations downstream within Bynum Run are being taken down and precautions are being lifted by officials.

However, residents are advised to continue to use caution in that body of water.

The Harford County Health Department stated that the risks associated with the sewer overflow on July 29 that released 750,000 gallons of raw sewage into Bynum Run near Sunny View Road have dissipated. The overflow was cleaned up, officials said, and the ground was limed in order to disinfect the area. The water has been regularly monitored.

However, "there is always some risk of illness when anyone comes in contact with natural water bodies," the county health department stated.

"Surface waters are not bacteria-free. Water that is muddy or murky looking is more likely to have higher levels of bacteria. The water quality of natural waters is highly variable, especially within 48 hours of heavy rainfall," the Harford County Health Department stated.

Initially, after testing water samples collected several times from the tributary flowing into Bynum Run after the sewage overflow, officials advised residents to avoid the affected area through Aug. 20 due to heavy rainfall that exacerbated the situation.

Officials have not publicly stated what caused the sewage overflow.

Bynum Run is a 10-mile-long stream in Harford County that flows from Forest Hill southeast through Bel Air and into the Bush River.

Related:

• Residents To Continue Avoiding Water Contaminated By Sewage Spill
• Rain Worsens 750K Gallon Sewage Spill In Harford County
• 750K Gallons Of Raw Sewage Seeps Into Harford Co. Stream