Investigation by the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) found failing sanitary sewer pipes that had been constructed within a 5-foot diameter storm drain tunnel in the Clipper Mill area. Problems discovered late last week include a severed main sewer pipe, other disconnections and leaks, and debris within the storm system.

More than 10,000 gallons of sewage is estimated to have discharged to the Jones Falls since the discovery of the failing system. DPW engineers and maintenance workers are seeking immediate, short-term actions to abate the problem, including repairing and re-aligning the severed sewer main, cleaning the storm drain, and working with the property owner to repair portions of the private sewer system.

Long-term actions will include determining how to get the sanitary sewer line out of the storm drain.

The public is reminded to avoid contact with urban waterways due to the risk of pollution. For information about health concerns as a result of sewer overflows please go to http://health.baltimorecity.gov/sanitary-sewer-overflows-sso.