Final Total Reported for Last Friday’s Sewer Overflow

Green banner with DPW logo and text "Department of Public Works Press Release"

Approximately 1.4 million gallons of stormwater mixed with sewer water overflowed into the Jones Falls last Friday, Dec. 28, as a result of infiltration from rains. This occurred at the structured overflow located at 428 E. Preston Street.

Structured overflows are located underground and do not spill onto city streets. They were designed as part of Baltimore’s sewer system more than 100 years ago to alleviate excess volume in the wastewater system when storm water infiltrates into the sewer mains. The Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) is in the process of improving its sewer system and eliminating these structures as part of the $2 billion Sanitary Sewer Consent Decree. Those who wish to learn more about progress DPW is making are invited to attend the second annual Consent Decree public information session at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019, at 1800 Washington Blvd.

Citizens who experience basement sewage backups as a result of rain events are encouraged to take advantage of the city’s Expedited Reimbursement Program. This program is to reimburse residents and property owners for cleanup costs related to sewage backups caused by wet weather.  Application and eligibility information can be found at https://publicworks.baltimorecity.gov/sewer-consent-decree/building-backups. Please note that this program is NOT designed for costs related to flood damage, hurricanes, or other extreme weather events.

The Baltimore City Health Department and the Maryland Department of the Environment were notified of the sewage releases. The public is reminded to avoid contact with urban waterways due to the risk of pollution. For information about health concerns as a result of sewer overflows please go to http://health.baltimorecity.gov/sanitary-sewer-overflows-sso.

Related Stories

DPW Offices and Facilities Close for Good Friday, March 29 Trash, Recycling Pickups to Resume Saturday, March 30

Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) Acting Director Khalil Zaied reminds residents that Good Friday, March 29, 2024, is a City holiday and DPW offices and sanitation yards will be CLOSEDThere will be NO trash or recycling collections on Good Friday. Trash and recycling collections, normally scheduled for Friday, March 29, will be collected on the make-up day, Saturday, March 30.

Mayor Scott to Nominate Khalil Zaied as New Director of the Department of Public Works

Mayor Brandon M. Scott has announced his intent to nominate Khalil Zaied as the new Director of the Department of Public Works (DPW). Zaied, who most recently led the Department of Public Works in Champaign, Illinois, will join DPW on March 18, 2024. Previously, he was a nearly 20 year veteran of Baltimore City Government, serving as Deputy Mayor of Operations and Director of Transportation, among other roles.

Mayor Scott, City Agencies Highlight the Return of Weekly Recycling

On Monday, March 4, Mayor Brandon M. Scott, Department of Public Works Interim Director Richard J. Luna, Department of General Services Director Berke Attila, and Baltimore City Chief Administrative Officer Faith Leach joined city staff and community members to highlight the return of weekly, curbside recycling collections for Baltimore City residents, starting Tuesday, March 5.