About 9.6 million gallons of stormwater mixed with sewer water overflowed into Baltimore streams last Friday, Dec. 21, as a result of infiltration from heavy overnight rains. A total of about 7.5 million gallons flowed into the Jones Falls from locations on Preston Street and on Falls Road; and about 2.1 million gallons flowed into the Herring Run from a stream bank manhole near Belair Road.

This was the second time in the same week that these discharges occurred in this pattern due to rainfall. The Preston Street and Falls Road locations are structured overflows which are located underground and do not spill onto city streets. 

Structured overflows 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 structures automatically divert excess water directly into streams in order to prevent it from surfacing on streets or in basements. The Baltimore City Department of Public Works is in the process of improving its sewer system and eliminating these structures as part of the $2 billion Sanitary Sewer Consent Decree. 

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.