The Baltimore City Department of Public Works estimates that over 2.3 million gallons of storm water combined with wastewater overflowed into the Jones Falls Jones Falls between 6:00 p.m. and 11 p.m. Sunday, February 4.  The cause of these overflows was wet weather infiltration of the sewer mains.

This incidents occurred underground in structured overflows at 1901 Falls Road (161,000 gallons) and at 428 E. Preston Street (2.3 million gallons). There was no spillage onto any streets. The Baltimore City Health Department and the Maryland Department of the Environment were notified of these releases.

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.