A spill of sewage into Deep Creek Lake was reported to the Garrett County Commissioners on Tuesday by Jeff Broadwater, assistant director of the Department of Public Utilities (DPU). Rodney Glotfelty, Garrett County health officer, was also on hand to answer questions about the situation that had resulted in water use restrictions at several areas of the lake. These restrictions have since been lifted.
Broadwater reported that DPU personnel discovered on Aug. 9 that the valve allowing flow into the McHenry sewage holding tank had been inadvertently left open and the emergency overflow alarm had failed to function properly. This allowed approximately 36,000 gallons of domestic wastewater to flow into a nearby stream, which in turn flows into Deep Creek Lake at the northwestern end of Marsh Run Cove.
Immediately upon discovery, the valve was shut to prevent further overflow, Broadwater said. DPU informed the Garrett County Health Department, Department of Natural Resources, and the Maryland Department of the Environment of the situation. Approximately 35 warning signs were posted throughout the affected area of the lake, and water samples were collected and taken to the laboratory for immediate testing.
An update was issued yesterday stating that sampling and testing of the water affected by the overflow indicated that bacteria levels had returned to normal. All results were reported to be below the level considered acceptable for “bathing beach water” by the Environmental Protection Agency. Therefore, the restriction on swimming and fishing in the affected area has been lifted.
The emergency holding tank alarm has been fixed, tested, and is working properly. In addition, DPU personnel have been assigned to inspect the holding tank on a routine basis to eliminate the potential of future overflows.
The valve was opened approximately a week before the spill because of a line breakage elsewhere, Broadwater explained. It was located in an area that is not normally used, and an alarm failed to go off because of a loose connection.
The dock in the area of the spill is covered with goose waste, he noted, so it was difficult to differentiate between that and the sewage spill in the samplings.
In the restriction-lifting press release yesterday, the health department personnel advised that universal precautions should always be taken when coming in contact with any recreational water. Every effort should be made not to swallow any water, and bathing or showering after swimming is recommended.
Persons who would like more information or who have questions about the event may call the DPU at 301-334-6983.
