The Baltimore City Department of Public Works estimates that over 10,000 gallons of wastewater overflowed into the Jones Falls beginning Wednesday, January 17 ending after 1:00 p.m. today, January 19.  The cause of this overflow is being determined.

This incident occurred underground in a structured overflow at West Garrison Avenue & Queensberry Road.  It will not spill onto any streets. The Baltimore City Health Department and the Maryland Department of the Environment were notified of this release.

Structured overflows were designed as part of Baltimore’s sewer system more than 100 years ago. They are being eliminated as part of the City’s $2 billion Consent Decree sewer rehabilitation work. Structured overflows were designed to act as release valves when the pipes are surcharged with rainwater that enters the sewer mains during significant storms.

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