Millions of Gallons of Raw Sewage Overflow in Accokeek After Pipe Bursts

ACCOKEEK — Millions of gallons of raw sewage overflowed out of a pipe that ruptured at a treatment plant in Accokeek, but authorities have finally contained the break.

The break was first reported Thursday afternoon when a pressurized sewer main broke at the Piscataway Wastewater Treatment Plant, according to statement from the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission.

"Working around the clock last night following the rupture of a pressurized sewer main yesterday afternoon, WSSC crews have contained the wastewater overflow at the Piscataway Wastewater Treatment Plant on Farmington Road in Accokeek," according to an update posted Friday by WSSC.

A total of 3.3 million gallons of untreated wastewater overflowed, affecting the nearby Piscataway Creek. Now that the flooding has been contained, crews will work to fix the broken sewer main and then pump wastewater out of retention basins, and then calculate the total volume of the overflow.

The overflow will not affect WSSC drinking water.

The Piscataway Plant treats about 24 million gallons of sewage daily.

"WSSC contractors are currently at the plant, excavating the broken sewer main. Once the pipe is exposed, crews can determine the type of repair work that is needed. This will be a multi-day repair effort," the statement reads. "Notifications have been made to the Maryland Department of the Environment, Prince George’s County Health Department and local municipalities. Twenty-seven signs have been posted in the area of the overflow, along the Piscataway Creek and WSSC will take all appropriate measures to clean up the affected area."

Chk out the progress on the sewer main repairs in Accokeek. 20-inch sewer main is 14 feet deep. Repairs continue through wkend pic.twitter.com/OjbgnFiQJX
— WSSC Water News (@WSSCWaterNews) February 10, 2017

Image via WSSC