Concord reports 2,000-gallon sewage overflow near creek tributary

Concord reported approximately 2,000 gallons of untreated wastewater discharged near 339, 341 and 343 Fox Street SW, with a small amount entering a tributary of Irish Buffalo Creek.

The City of Concord’s notice was published July 17, after city crews had responded to the overflow the previous evening. The city said most of the wastewater remained within the sewer right-of-way.

Overflow was contained the same evening

According to the city, the Water Resources Department was notified at approximately 6 p.m. on July 16. Crews contained the overflow and completed cleanup by approximately 9:30 p.m. that same evening.

The city said the discharge was caused by a blockage in the sewer system from rags and grease. That is the city’s reported determination. Available information does not establish whether the overflow caused lasting environmental effects.

WBTV’s local report also said a small amount of untreated wastewater entered the creek tributary and that it was not immediately clear whether the spill caused lasting damage. Neither the city notice nor the report said that the full 2,000 gallons reached the creek system.

What residents should understand

The affected area is near Fox Street SW in Concord, close to the tributary identified in the city’s notice. The city reported that containment and cleanup were complete, but that response does not by itself determine whether there were longer-term effects downstream.

The city also said it reported the overflow to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. NC DEQ guidance says sewer overflows of more than 1,000 gallons to the ground, or overflows of any size that reach surface water, must be reported verbally as soon as possible and within 24 hours of discovery. The state separately outlines press-release and public-notice requirements for qualifying discharges to surface waters.

Residents with questions about the incident or local sewer service can contact the City of Concord Water Resources Department at 704-920-5555.

Sources

• City of Concord sanitary sewer overflow notice
• North Carolina DEQ sewer-overflow guidance
• WBTV report on the Concord overflow