CITY OF GAINESVILLE NEWS RELEASE:
“The Gainesville Department of Water Resources
(DWR) has stopped a sewer overflow into Squirrel Creek, a tributary of Lake Lanier.
At approximately 1:45 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13, a pipe burst at the City of Gainesville’s
wastewater lift station No. 33. Utilizing remote operational capability, DWR maintenance
personnel turned the pump off at approximately 2:30 p.m. and immediately mobilized to the
area. Personnel estimate that the overflow occurred for only 45 minutes. The station
returned to normal operation within an hour.
DWR estimates that approximately 38,250 gallons of pre-treated wastewater was released
from the pipe with most of the spill reaching Squirrel Creek. The area of the spill was
assessed with no dead or stressed aquatic life found in Squirrel Creek.
Preliminary on-site water quality testing, comparing samples from upstream of the spill site
with downstream samples, showed field-tested parameters were minimally impacted. The
area of the spill was limed for odor control. The area has been posted as required by the
State of Georgia.
The Georgia Environmental Protection Division was notified Wednesday
afternoon. DWR will continue to test the affected waterway for the next 12 months, as
required by the state, to ensure water quality.