Sewage Overflows into Choptank River Following Storms

CAMBRIDGE, Md. – The City of Cambridge is alerting residents to a sewage overflow that occurred Tuesday night.

City officials say that around 10:50 p.m. on Jul. 21, sewage and stormwater flowed from a sanitary manhole on Water and Vue de Lieu streets as a result of heavy rainfall during recent thunderstorms. The flow is believed to have continued until 4:20 a.m. the following day, causing an estimated 2,000 gallons to have flowed from the manhole into the stormwater catchment basin before discharging into the Choptank River.

The overflow was reportedly noticed by a resident who notified the city overnight. The affected area was cleaned and lime was spread in the area, with operations being completed at 1:38 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon. Additionally, a sign was posted at the location of the discharge.

City officials say the overflow did not impact drinking water, and that they continue to work on repairs to reduce the strains in the sewer and stormwater systems. Currently, the City is working on the design of an inflow & infiltration study that includes a submersible level transmitter in the manhole to warn of resign levels and flow meters within the Sanitary District.

Cambridge has been focusing on upgrading their sewer system the last couple of years, with their Trenton Street Pump Station being the next project. Leaders broke ground on the new station on Jun. 18.

This week’s sewage overflow follows other recent spillages at the end of February and at the end of June.