Sanitary Sewer Overflow Reported on August 5, 2024 at 13th and Pottawatomie streets

On August 5, 2024, Water Pollution Control received a report regarding a sewer odor in the vicinity of 13th and Pottawatomie streets. Water Pollution Control staff conducted a search of the area using dye testing and video camera inspections. The camera inspection showed infiltration into the storm sewer through a hole in the reinforced concrete pipe. On August 8, 2024 City staff contacted a contractor to excavate and assess the area above the storm pipe. Two private sewer laterals were discovered. One of these laterals had collapsed and leaked into the ground, causing infiltration into the storm pipe. The contractor performed necessary repairs on the collapsed private lateral and the storm pipe. City staff cleaned the storm drain and creek in the immediate area around the 13th Street bridge. Affected area includes the area from 13th Street bridge to north of Pottawatomie Street, extending eastward into Three-Mile Creek. Staff will continue to monitor the creek and storm drain until testing shows a return to acceptable E. coli levels.