Deadly Flooding In Ellicott City Has Caused Massive Sewage Leak
ELLICOTT CITY, Md. (WJZ) -- Deadly flooding in Ellicott City is now causing new problems. There is a massive sewage leak in the area.
A line is leaking sewage about a quarter of a mile up the Patapsco River from Main Street, WJZ's Captain Jeff Long reports. Up to 5 million gallons a day of sewage have been leaking into the river.
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The leak was discovered by the Howard County Department of Public Works, and confirmed by the Maryland Department of the Environment.
Health officials warn public to avoid contact w/Patapsco River near Ellicott City due to sewage spill. pic.twitter.com/UYfbusP2eJ
— Maryland NRP (@MDNRPolice) August 3, 2016
The Patapsco is closed from the Howard County line all the way down to the Baltimore City line, and through Patapsco Valley State Park.
Repairs are ongoing. Part of the access road was washed out in the floods, which is why it is taking longer to fix the problem.
Crews hope to have the line repaired by Wednesday night.