A Series of Spills in Rocky Mount
Rocky Mount, North Carolina, has been grappling with a series of severe sewer spills, leading to the discharge of nearly three million gallons of sewage into the Tar River and surrounding waterways in less than two weeks. The spills, which began in late July and persisted through mid-August, underscore a troubling trend that has raised concerns about the city’s aging infrastructure and its capacity to handle extreme weather events.
The first major spill occurred from July 25 to July 28, when over 1.7 million gallons of sewage leaked into the Tar River from a manhole on Riverside Drive. This event was soon followed by another significant overflow at the same location. Records from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) indicate that this specific site has experienced 24 sewer spills since 2018, contributing to a cumulative total of four million gallons of sewage discharged. The recent spills have added to this already staggering figure.
14 Spills in 5 Days: The Impact of Storm Debby
Between August 8 and August 12, Rocky Mount experienced an unprecedented surge in sewer overflows, with 14 separate incidents recorded in just five days. During this period, over 1.2 million gallons of raw sewage spilled into the Tar River and its connected waterways. The city attributes these spills to the significant rainfall brought by Tropical Storm Debby, which inundated the sewer system with approximately 5.31 inches of rain, overwhelming its capacity.
In response to the spills, the city undertook cleanup efforts that included washing the affected areas with system water, vacuuming up contaminants, and properly disposing of the waste back into the sewer system. Additionally, the city removed saturated soil, applied lime to neutralize remaining contaminants, and reseeded the areas to prevent erosion.
Advocacy and Public Awareness Efforts
The frequency and scale of these spills have prompted local advocacy groups, such as Sound Rivers, to raise awareness about water quality issues in Rocky Mount. Sound Rivers, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the Neuse and Tar-Pamlico River watersheds, has been monitoring the situation closely.
Katey Zimmerman, a water quality advocate with Sound Rivers, emphasized the importance of public awareness regarding the state of local water resources. “I think it is essential for people to be aware of the water quality where they live,” she stated. Zimmerman also noted that while she has detected elevated levels of bacteria in the river, they have not yet reached levels that would trigger a DEQ water advisory. However, she stressed that the public should be informed, as exposure to increased bacteria from sewage spills can lead to illness. “We’re advocating for more public signage and awareness of what is going on,” she added.
Challenges with Aging Infrastructure
Rocky Mount’s recurring sewer spills highlight broader issues related to aging infrastructure, population growth, and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. According to Dr. Lee Ferguson, an associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at Duke University, sanitary sewer systems are not designed to handle overflows. “You’re not supposed to have overflows,” Ferguson explained. He noted that frequent overflows, such as those seen in Rocky Mount, are a clear indication that the sewer system may be failing to meet the demands placed on it.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) echoes this sentiment, stating that frequent sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) often signal underlying problems within the sewer system that need to be addressed.
Efforts to Address the Problem
The City of Rocky Mount has acknowledged the challenges posed by its aging sewer infrastructure and is taking steps to address them. The city maintains over 435 miles of sewer lines, and ongoing maintenance efforts include relining old sewer mains with durable new linings, repairing cracks and damage caused by tree roots, and resurfacing older manholes. Each year, the city allocates $750,000 to these maintenance activities.
In 2020, the city relined 1.7 miles of a major sewer outfall line and replaced two outdated screw pumps, increasing the system’s capacity to move an additional 20 million gallons of wastewater per day. Despite these efforts, the frequency of spills continues to be a concern, both locally and across North Carolina.
Tropical Storm Debby, which contributed to the 14 spills in August, highlights the ongoing risks posed by extreme weather during hurricane season. With more storms likely on the horizon, the city is preparing for additional challenges.
Looking Ahead: A Comprehensive Study
In an effort to find long-term solutions, the City of Rocky Mount has secured $400,000 in grant funding to conduct a comprehensive study of its sewer system. The study, set to be completed by December 2024, aims to identify the most vulnerable areas in the system and develop strategies to prevent future overflows. The city is also working closely with engineers to design improvements that will enhance the system’s ability to handle increased volume and reduce the likelihood of further spills.
The Importance of Water Quality and Infrastructure Maintenance
The ongoing sewer spills in Rocky Mount serve as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining and upgrading critical infrastructure, particularly as climate change increases the frequency of extreme weather events. Public awareness and advocacy will play a crucial role in ensuring that these issues are addressed, and that the health and safety of local communities are protected.
In the context of these challenges, the use of reverse osmosis filtration systems and whole-home water conditioners can offer residents additional protection by ensuring that their drinking water is free from contaminants, including those that may enter the water supply due to sewer overflows. Reverse osmosis systems are highly effective at removing bacteria, viruses, and other impurities, while whole-home water conditioners can help to protect plumbing systems from damage caused by hard water and other corrosive elements. Together, these technologies can provide peace of mind for residents concerned about the quality of their water in the wake of frequent sewer spills.
Source: WRAL News