The Oconee County government is releasing details of this week’s sewage spill, a 40 thousand gallon leak at the Calls Creek Water Reclamation Facility: a lightning strike gets the blame.
From the Oconee Co government website…
The Calls Creek Water Reclamation Facility experienced a sewer spill on Wednesday, May 5, 2021, between the hours of 4 a.m. and 8 a.m., which released up to 40,800 gallons into Calls Creek. The spill was caused by lightning damage to the facility’s alarm and communication system. The EPD classifies this level as a major spill event.
Oconee County Water Resources has instituted new measures at the Calls Creek Water Reclamation Facility that include automated daily verification that the alarm and communication system is functioning optimally.
Oconee County Water Resources has taken corrective action, and the facility is back in normal use. Signs notifying the public of the spill have been placed in the spill area.
In accordance with state regulations, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division and the Oconee County Environmental Health Department were notified and testing begun for upstream and downstream water quality. Lab results for water quality will be forthcoming. EPD will be notified of these results, and the county is awaiting response and/or closure on the event.
For questions, please call the Oconee County Water Resources Department at 706-769-3960.