On Sunday, June 19, 2016, at approximately 10:40 a.m., the Garrett County Department of Public Works – Utilities Division (DPW-U) received a call notifying the Department of a sanitary sewer leak at 1046 Lake Shore Drive.  Upon receiving notification, response staff was dispatched to the location.  At approximately 11:00 a.m. DPW-U maintenance personnel arrived at 1046 Lake Shore Drive and observed sewage surfacing on the property, and running downgrade and along the roadside ditch to an adjacent stream and through a culvert between 1003 and 981 Lake Shore Drive and into Deep Creek Lake.  It was determined that the leak was originating from the 1 ½-inch service lateral serving 1046 Lake Shore Drive.  At approximately 12:20 p.m., the road valve for the service lateral was located and shutoff, which stopped the leak and allowed for the repairs. 

 

Based on the approximate rate of the spill, it was estimated the overflow volume was 2,500 gallons. 

 

At approximately 1:40 p.m., DPW-U personnel contacted the Garrett County Health Department (GCHD) and Maryland Department of Natural Resources Lake Management to inform them of the sewer overflow.  At the same time, DPW-U personnel began sampling the stream and lake in the location of the overflow, and at upstream and downstream locations.  The area of the overflow was cleaned and hydrated lime was applied to the affected areas by DPW-U personnel.  DPW-U personnel also posted signs warning of the overflow at properties and docks along the shoreline in the affected area.  The posted warning signs and sampling will continue until results acceptable levels are reached.