Approximately 1.4 million gallons of stormwater mixed with sewer water overflowed into the Jones Falls last Friday, Dec. 28, as a result of infiltration from rains. This occurred at the structured overflow located at 428 E. Preston Street.

Structured overflows are located underground and do not spill onto city streets. They were designed as part of Baltimore’s sewer system more than 100 years ago to alleviate excess volume in the wastewater system when storm water infiltrates into the sewer mains. The Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) is in the process of improving its sewer system and eliminating these structures as part of the $2 billion Sanitary Sewer Consent Decree. Those who wish to learn more about progress DPW is making are invited to attend the second annual Consent Decree public information session at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019, at 1800 Washington Blvd.

Citizens who experience basement sewage backups as a result of rain events are encouraged to take advantage of the city’s Expedited Reimbursement Program. This program is to reimburse residents and property owners for cleanup costs related to sewage backups caused by wet weather.  Application and eligibility information can be found at https://publicworks.baltimorecity.gov/sewer-consent-decree/building-backups. Please note that this program is NOT designed for costs related to flood damage, hurricanes, or other extreme weather events.

The Baltimore City Health Department and the Maryland Department of the Environment were notified of the sewage releases. 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.