The environmental group Mobile Baykeeper has leveled new accusations against Daphne Utilities, claiming the utility released millions of gallons of untreated sewage toward the Blakeley River and Mobile Bay — allegations the utility flatly disputes.
According to Mobile Baykeeper, three million gallons of untreated sewage per day flowed into the Blakeley River and Mobile Bay during January. The group says photographs show brown sludge discharging from Daphne Utilities’ waste management plant and claims bacteria levels in the water ran 4,000 percent above the legal limit.
“This problem isn’t going to be solved by glossing over,” said Cade Kistler with Mobile Baykeeper. “We’re gonna need to get to the root of the issue, and we’re gonna have to make some major changes so we can feel safe to swim and play downstream of there in Mobile Bay.”
Utility Says It Is Back in Compliance
Daphne Utilities representative Jon Gray says changes are already underway and that the utility was back in compliance with regulations by February. He denied that treated water shown in the group’s photos is dangerous, accusing Mobile Baykeeper of exaggerating what is actually in the water.
“While we’re doing some of that maintenance we may see spikes in our test results to the outfall line, but that doesn’t mean we’re putting raw sewage in Mobile Bay,” Gray said.
Ongoing Lawsuit and Possible Rate Impact
The dispute is the latest round in a conflict dating back over a year. Daphne Utilities is already a defendant in a lawsuit brought by ADEM and Mobile Baykeeper alleging failure to report — and under-reporting of — sewage spills. Depositions from former utility employees who first alerted Mobile Baykeeper were set to begin Thursday.
Customers may eventually feel the cost: asked whether upgrades could trigger a rate increase, board members said they were still looking into it.