In accordance with the guidelines established by the Maryland Department of the Environment, the Town of La Plata and the Charles County Health Department report that an accidental sewage overflow occurred at the Influent Pumping Station of the La Plata Wastewater Treatment Plant.
According to Maryland Environmental Service, a mechanical failure occurred at a check valve vault on September 28 at approximately 5:30 a.m., resulting in the release of an estimated 170,000 gallons of untreated wastewater into a tributary of the Port Tobacco River. The release was corrected at 11:30 a.m.
The Health Department has been notified. Signs have been posted along the affected area advising residents to avoid direct contact with the water. Monitoring of the tributaries will follow according to established guidelines.
For more information, call the Maryland Environmental Services at 301-392-9880.