Alert: Piney Branch Creek at Northside Park Polluted with Sewage

UPDATE 2 p.m.: We have added a synopsis provided by the Town of Vienna:

The weekend of September 27-28, an odor in Piney Branch Creek was reported to the Town. The initial investigation found no obvious source. Further research located a sewer blockage about three-quarters of a mile upstream, resulting in sewage from the sanitary sewer flowing into the storm sewer. Water from the storm sewer then flows into Piney Branch Creek.

Town staff unplugged the sanitary sewer pipe, began flushing fresh water from a hydrant to help dissipate the smell, and called a contractor to permanently disconnect the sanitary sewer pipe. At the same time, as required by law, staff contacted the Fairfax County Department of Health and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.

Both organizations determined that due to the small nature of the spill and limited duration, and since only liquid entered the creek, no further action or communication with residents was necessary.

These departments have the regulatory authority to require signage, public notice, physical barriers and other actions when necessary. Residents should be aware that, at any time, pet waste, fertilizer, debris and other possible contaminants could be in any body of water.

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The Northeast Vienna Citizens Association is warning its members about a health risk to people and pets: Piney Branch Creek in Northside Park is contaminated with sewage and people and pets should not be in contact with the water.

A note from the Town of Vienna Public Works director to the group, posted on the NVCA Facebook page states:

“We found the problem. The sanitary sewer main behind Urgent Care was blocked. There was an old, unknown overflow pipe (probably installed when the sewer main was initially constructed) routing overflow sanitary sewer water into the storm culvert. We unplugged the sanitary blockage and the flow into the storm sewer stopped. The crew has opened a fire hydrant to flush the smell from the storm drain a bit.

We must report all sanitary overflows of any sort to the Fairfax County Health Department, so they will respond to take photos and record the event.

Longer term, I am sure this kind of overflow sanitary-to-storm sewer has happened in the past. We are contacting Sagres Construction to dig down on the sanitary main and completely disconnect the small overflow pipe. We have to get utility mark off so digging will probably happen later this week.”

Health risks of untreated sewage, according to American Rivers can “cause serious long-term illnesses or even death. Certain groups such as children, the elderly, and those with a weakened immune system are particularly vulnerable to these long-term effects.”

Some people apparently are unaware of the sewage spill; one NVCA member said on the Facebook page that he told a father and two children who were in the creek about it; there are reportedly no signs posted.

PHOTO courtesy of NVCA; see more photos on their Facebook page