Bayou La Batre Utilities Board Reports 300-Gallon Sewer Overflow in Coden After Main Separates
A separated low-pressure sewer main released about 300 gallons of untreated sewage on Alba Avenue; officials say no water sources were affected.
BAYOU LA BATRE, Ala. — The Utilities Board of the City of Bayou La Batre responded to a sanitary sewer overflow Wednesday, Nov. 4, in Coden, where an estimated 300 gallons of untreated sewage was released.
What happened
The overflow occurred at 14843 Alba Avenue in Coden. Utility officials said a low-pressure sewer main separated, which allowed untreated sewage to escape. The coupling has been replaced with a sturdier fitting and the area has been cleaned. Officials reported that no water sources were affected.
What a sanitary sewer overflow is
A sanitary sewer overflow, or SSO, happens when untreated or partially treated sewage leaves the sewer system before it reaches a wastewater treatment plant. It can occur through a manhole, broken pipe, pump station or building cleanout. Sewage can contain bacteria, viruses and parasites that cause diarrhea, vomiting, skin infections and other illnesses.
Health advice
Dr. Kevin Michaels, health officer for Mobile County, urged residents to avoid contact with affected water, soil and any visible sewage. He advised keeping children and pets away from ditches, creeks, flooded areas and standing water that may be contaminated, and not swimming, wading or fishing in posted areas or in water that looks or smells contaminated.
Anyone who has contact with possibly contaminated water or soil should wash their skin and clothing thoroughly with soap and clean water as soon as possible, he said.
Earlier overflows
It is the latest in a series of overflows reported in the area in recent weeks. South AL News has reported on a 3,240-gallon overflow on Shell Belt Road after a pump malfunction and a Hemley Street lift station overflow that sent sewage into a creek feeding Bayou La Batre. Saraland also reported a 900-gallon overflow into Norton Creek.
