Sewer Overflows into Hampstead's Piney Run Creek

Early Wednesday morning, Carroll County Bureau of Utilities discovered that an estimated 150,000 gallons of partially treated wastewater overflowed into the Piney Run Creek at the Hampstead Wastewater Treatment Plant located at 4455 North Woods Trail, in Hampstead, according to a news release.

Heavy and consistent rain overwhelmed the plant’s capabilities, the release said.

Over the past four years, the Bureau of Utilities has worked hard to locate and repair areas of infiltration into Hampstead’s sanitary collection system. Ongoing improvements to Hampstead’s sanitary system continue to be budgeted, the county reported.

The Maryland Department of the Environment and the Carroll County Health Department were notified. Signs have been posted informing residents to avoid contact with the contained area until further notice.