LA PLATA, Md. (March 22, 2010)—The Charles County Department of Utilities and the Charles County Health Department report that an accidental treated wastewater overflow occurred at the Swan Point Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) from the effluent Pumping station located on Swan Point Boulevard in Swan Point on Saturday.
According to the Department of Utilities, the plant’s effluent pump station failure was the result of an electrical failure at the main breakers that controls the effluent pumping station, UV disinfection system, sand filter system, and the clarifier system. Unfortunately, this led to an unauthorized discharge of an estimated 140,000 gallons. The discharge was fully treated wastewater, however it was not disinfected due to the failure affected the disinfection process.
The Department of Utilities responded to a call from Utilities base at 7:00am reporting an effluent high level at the Swan Point WWTP. Upon arrival it was discovered that treated effluent was spilling from the effluent chamber. Shortly after a tanker truck was dispatched and the spill was contained.
“No homes were affected, and the affected equipment has been repaired and is again operating properly”, said the Utilities Department.
Maryland Department of the Environment has been notified about the treated unauthorized discharge as well as the Health Department and any further instructions from these Departments will be followed.
Source: Charles County Government