Sewer System Malfunction Causes Overflow In Salisbury - WMDT 47 News - Delmarva's Choice

SALISBURY, Md. - A raw sewage overflow in Salisbury Tuesday night might not be cleaned up but at least at this point it's appears to be under control.

We're told excessive amounts of debris led to a mechanical malfunction this afternoon at the South Side Pumping Station on Ridge Road. The overflow started at 2PMand crews managed to stop it just around 9PM.

Salisbury Mayor Jim Ireton tells us a significant amount of untreated household sewage made it's way into the surrounding waterways. The Maryland Department of Environment has been notified and "Swimming and Fishing Advisory" signs are now posted along the Wicomico River.

We're told 4 houses near the pumping station were directly affected - and in one case sewage actually back up into a tub. The mayor estimates it may be a week or more before the sewage will clear out -- but preliminary assessments show the rains this week might be a problem

We're told crews will be at the pumping station until 11PM Tuesday night, keeping an eye on the situation.

Also, the mayor plans to sending out an update on the situation tomorrow with a list of things which may have caused the overflow and what can be done to prevent this from happening again.