In accordance with the guidelines established by the Maryland Department of the Environment, the Charles County Department of Utilities and the Charles County Health Department report that an accidental overflow of approximately 66,375 gallons of highly treated effluent occurred yesterday around 9:30 a.m.at the Cliffton Wastewater Treatment Plant.
According to the Department of Utilities, the overflow occurred when an effluent pump failed for unknown reasons. Utilities personnel discovered the overflow at approximately 9:30 a.m. and had the overflow under control by 9:45 a.m. The treated effluent escaped into Ravens Crest Creek, according to the Department of Utilities. A Department of Utilities spokesperson emphasized that the overflow was fully treated and disinfected, and noted that the pump failure caused the treated effluent to be discharged at the plant, rather than the normal discharge point.
The overflow poses no threat to the environment, public health, or drinking water, according to the Health Department of Charles County.
For more information, call the Department of Utilities at 301-609-7400, or the Health Department at 301-609-6751.