Sewage Spill in Rockville Contaminates Stream That Flows Into Buck Branch

ROCKVILLE, MD — A sanitary sewer overflow in Rockville Monday was detected shortly after 9 a.m. and remedied before 4:30 p.m., which entered a nearby stream that flows into Buck Branch. Officials believe more than 12,000 gallons spilled into a wooded area near 10401 Windsor View Drive. Drinking water was not affected, according to WSSC Water.

Crews set up a 280-foot temporary bypass pumping operation to move the wastewater around the damaged section of the 8-inch diameter sewer pipe, essentially stopping the overflow. The untreated wastewater then entered a nearby stream that empties into Buck Branch. Signs warning residents to avoid the area have been posted. Crews will investigate to determine how the pipe was damaged.