A spill at an East Austin, Texas, wastewater facility sent roughly 73,000 gallons of sewage sludge into a storm drain and then a nearby private pond, prompting Austin Water to warn residents to avoid potentially contaminated soil and water.
Here's what to know
Austin Water said a break in the Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant's sludge transfer line led to the spill near Decker Lane and FM 969. The utility told the Austin American-Statesman that roughly 73,000 gallons of wastewater sludge came out of a vault at that intersection.
From there, the sludge entered a storm drain and reached a private pond, where Austin Water said it was contained. The utility did not say what caused the leak.
It said the drinking water supply was not affected.
More background
Austin Water warned people to avoid the waste itself along with any soil or water that may have been impacted by the spill.
Anyone using a private well within a half-mile of the site should boil that water before drinking, cooking, bathing, or brushing their teeth, Austin Water said. The utility added that those wells may need testing and disinfection.
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Customers who get water from a public supplier other than Austin Water were told to check with that provider to make sure their water was safe.
What's being done?
Austin Water said cleanup crews were working at the site and would stay there until remediation was finished. The utility also said it notified the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality about the spill.
Its safety guidance advised residents to stay out of the affected area, boil well water before use if they were within the impacted radius, and wash thoroughly after any contact with the waste.
The Environmental Protection Agency defines sewage sludge as the "nutrient-rich" material left behind after wastewater treatment.
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