FIRST ON 3 UPDATE: CFPUA clarifies notification process after sewage spill

FROM CFPUA: There has been some information included in coverage of the recent sewer system overflow that occurred along the Ogden Interceptor that warrants clarification. In particular, there is some information not accurately reflecting CFPUA’s notification process. To clarify, reporting guidelines as established by the state in response to sewer system overflows require that we notice the state within 24 hours. Press releases are required within 48 hours. This particular event and other incidents requiring press releases issued by CFPUA have been addressed well within our required time period for contact with the state and with release issuance. The statute for reference is §143-215.1 C.

INFORMATION FROM A NEWS RELEASE SENT TO THE WWAY NEWSCHANNEL 3 NEWSROOM…

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The Cape Fear Public Utility Authority is coming clean about a major sewage spill two days after it happened. The overflow happened just before 4 p.m. Wednesday along North Kerr Ave. near Deerbrook Apartments.

Approximately 120,000 gallons spilled out from four manholes. Much of it made it into the nearby Smith Creek, potentially damaging water quality.

“We have been running tests. We’ll continue to run tests to monitor that,” CPFUA CEO Matt Jordan said. “Obviously, any sewer overflow is something you want to avoid. There could be some short term effects, but it should be short term, and we’re again measuring those levels.”

Wednesday’s heavy rain event is blamed for causing the manholes to overflow in the “Ogden Interceptor” area which is under construction.