This sewer backup occurred in Sept. 2000 in front of a building at SLAC. (Photo courtesy of ES&H)

By Michael Hug

One of the incidents mentioned in the recent Safety Stand Down was a blocked sewer line that resulted in the release of sewage into the storm drain system.

The release occurred on August 2, at the construction site for the new Guest House. The sanitary sewer line was blocked with rocks, paper towels and cloth rags.

This is a friendly reminder to folks at SLAC of the environmental damage that non-biodegradable products can cause if flushed away.

The careless disposal of items like cloth shop rags, paper towels, and rubber gloves can block the sanitary sewer and increase SLAC’s operation and maintenance costs. These items complicate the treatment of sewage and they can even get through wastewater systems into the environment. This costs the environment and can spoil the beauty of our coastline.

Don’t flush personal items at all. Anything that is not biodegradable should be put in the trash. Specifically anything containing plastic, but also latex products, sanitary napkins and even tissue!

You might be surprised to learn that tissue shouldn’t be put in your toilet because it is not designed to break down like toilet paper. Also, don’t dispose of gasoline, oil, antifreeze or other hazardous solvents and materials into the sewer system. These items can cause serious injuries to Utility Workers and cause damage to the treatment facilities, the treatment process and the environment.

Sewage spills can be a very noticeable gushing of water from a manhole, or a slow water leak that may take time to be noticed. Don’t dismiss wet areas that cannot be accounted for.

Look for:

• Drain backups inside the building

• Wet ground and water leaking around manhole lids on your street

• Seeping water from cleanouts, outside drains

• Unusual odorous wet areas: sidewalks, external walls, grounds/landscape

Please, use the sewer system for what is was designed to accommodate. Having a sewage backup is not a pleasant experience.

To report a sewer backup or related problem, please call the SEM service line at ext. 8901.

For questions or information, please contact Mike Hug (Ext. 4042).