Cleanup has started, a Trinity River Authority spokesperson said.
The details
In a Trinity River Authority news release, the Trinity River Authority's Denton Creek Regional Wastewater System treatment plant “experienced an outflow in its collection system” on May 28. The outflow, which started at 7:32 a.m., exceeded 100,000 gallons at 11:30 a.m, the release stated. It occurred at the northwest corner of the facility near 1687 US 377 in Roanoke.
A Roanoke city news release stated the "outflow will not affect service to any customers and no drinking water supplies have been threatened or contaminated by the outflow."
Trinity River Authority officials said people using private drinking water supply wells located within a half-mile of the spill site or within the potentially affected area should use only water that has been distilled or boiled at a rolling boil for at least one minute for all personal uses. In addition, people with private water wells should have their well water tested and disinfected, if necessary, prior to discontinuing distillation or boiling.
A city spokesperson said there are no private wells within a half-mile of the spill site, and that the city has not issued a boil notice.
Communications Manager for the Trinity River Authority Vanassa Joseph said "we are in cleanup mode" and that outflows will continue as long as the rains continue.
Zooming in
The release from the Trinity River Authority attributed the outflow to a hydraulic overload in the system due to widespread heavy rain. The outflow will not affect service to any of the facility’s customers, according to the release.
Also of note
All wastewater outflows in excess of 100,000 gallons must be reported to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the public and other designated public officials, the release stated. The final estimated quantity of the outflow will be reported to TCEQ.
"The outflow is diluted, and no public drinking water supplies have been threatened or contaminated by this outflow; no aquatic life has been affected," the release stated.
According to the release, people who purchase water from a public water supply may contact their distributor to determine if the water is safe for personal use. Residents are reminded to avoid contact with any waste material, soil or water near the affected area. If people comes into contact with waste material, soil, or water potentially affected by the outflow, they should bathe and wash clothes thoroughly as soon as possible, according to the release.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect that no Roanoke residents are affected by the wastewater plant spill and that a boil water notice is not in place.
