Deep Creek Sewage Overflows – Information Release
 
On Friday January 31, 2014 at approximately 7 p.m. a sewage overflow was discovered along the road near the entrance to Marsh Hill Road. Department of Public Works (DPW) personnel immediately responded and closed valves on a 4” sewer lateral which prevented any further overflow. It is estimated that the duration of the event lasted less than 2 hours and the maximum overflow estimate is 9,600 gallons. DPW personnel worked both Friday evening and early Saturday morning to clean and stabilize the area. The affected area was taped off and signs were posted.  The cause of the leak is believed to be a broken 4” lateral line that runs under Marsh Hill Road. Line repair excavation is currently underway.  
 
On Sunday February 2, 2014 at approximately 1 p.m. DPW personnel was notified of a leaking duplex grinder basin located at 19638 Garrett Highway. DPW personnel immediately responded and pumped the basin with a vacuum truck, pulled and repaired one pump and replaced the other. The duration of the event is estimated to have been less than 2 hours and the overflow estimate is 1,200 gallons. The area was treated with lime stabilization, taped off and signs were posted.
 
The Utilities Division Standard Overflow Procedure for overflows in excess of 10,000 gallons is to issue a press release within 24 hours. For events under 10,000 gallons DPW works with the Health Department to determine the risk to public health and issue notices as necessary. In both these cases, the overflows were immediately corrected. Weather conditions and the lake being frozen minimized any potential contact with the public and the areas were taped off and notification signs were posted around the affected areas.
 
When sewage overflows occur in the Deep Creek Lake Area, the Health Department, DNR and MDE are immediately notified. Copies of the initial overflow reports as well as any future overflow reports will be available on our website @www.garrettcounty.org/public-utilities/deep-creek-sewer--overflow-reports. For any questions, please contact the Utilities Division Office @ 301-334-6983.