Million-Gallon Sewage Spill Flows Into White Rock Creek

PLANO, TX — An estimated 1 million gallons of raw sewage has spilled in Plano's White Rock Creek, a tributary of White Rock Lake in Dallas.

Denise Hickey, a spokeswoman from the North Texas Municipal Water District, told Patch the sewage leak began when a contractor working near Preston Road and President George Bush Turnpike struck an underground wastewater line around 3:45 p.m. Wednesday.

The million gallons of sewage was lost before the wastewater line was repaired, Hickey said. The water district was working Thursday morning to clean up the spill and evaluate the environmental impact.

Cleanup procedures, she said, include removing solid items like feminine hygiene products, flushable wipes and contraceptives from the waterway. The environmental impact of the spill is evaluated by taking stock of any wildlife harmed or killed by the spill.

The Cities of Dallas, Plano and Richardson were notified of the spill, Hickey said. Neither White Rock Creek nor White Rock Lake are used as sources of drinking water.

Dallas Parks Department said in a Thursday afternoon press release that water recreation activities at White Rock Lake have been ceased until further notice. While swimming is always prohibited, the city cautions against fishing as well.

The city said on Twitter that the lake's dog park, an area that allows pups to play in shallow water, has also been closed until further notice.

Screenshot via Google Maps