Burlington Says Sewage Spill Caused by Heavy Rains - WGHP

The city of Burlington says a sewage spill on Wednesday was caused by heavy rains.

[Mandy]

At least they reported it and not swept it under the rug like some other city---THOMASVILLE! I'm glad they got it under control in a timely manner.

[InPerspective]

...isn't the sewage system seperate from storm run-off, how did they mix?

[Bobby D]

InPerspective: You are correct; they are two separate systems. Stormwater runs into the curb and gutter system which goes directly into streams/rivers and into our lakes. That's why its so important not to dump in storm drains and to limit fertilizer use.
Sewer systems are controlled systems that run from homes/biz into central piping systems and are gravity fed (sometimes with the assistance of pumping stations) to the plant.
The problem is that these clay piping systems are VERY old. In some cases 50-60 years old. When it rains heavily, "seepage" occurs and millions of gallons of stormwater merge in the system and exceed the plants' capacity to process the water. Unfortunately, pipe maintenance isn't very sexy and most local gov't politicians see it as something they can skimp on come budget time. Out of sight, out of mind... right?
Anyway, these systems (in most American cities) are no where near maintained to the point they should be. How do we fix and/update these systems?$$$$ that's right, everyone's favorite. Either service fees or raising taxes; neither of which are popular.

[Mandy]

Bobby D thank you for the clarification. Nothing can't run w/o $$$.