Crews with the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD) are cleaning up a discharge of sewage into Deer Creek at 2732 McKnight Road.
Crews with the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD) are cleaning up a discharge of sewage into Deer Creek at 2732 McKnight Road.
Yesterday evening (Monday, July 8), a concerned citizen reported extreme odors in the area to MSD. An MSD crew investigated and found a 12-inch sanitary sewer main blocked with debris. The blocked main caused sewage to enter Deer Creek. A dam was setup downstream of the location to contain the sewage. Pumps were also installed and cleanup activities began immediately. As a result of the sewage depleting oxygen in the water, an undetermined number of fish were killed.
After several hours work, the crew was able to unblock the sewer main and normal sewer service was restored. The source of the debris is unknown at this time. Cleanup will continue into today.
It is estimated that approximately 8,000 gallons of sewage entered Deer Creek, fouling approximately 1,900 feet of creek bank. While there is no immediate threat to public health or safety, the public is asked to avoid contact with Deer Creek in this area for the next 48 to 72 hours. Signs have been posted in areas where the public may readily come into contact with Deer Creek. If anyone should come into contact with Deer Creek in this area, they should immediately and thoroughly wash with soap and water.
The sewer break was reported to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, as required by law.