Crews with the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD) are cleaning up a discharge of sewage into the River des Peres near Manchester Avenue and Mitchell Avenue.
Yesterday (Monday, October 19), MSD crews discovered a blocked sewer main near the River des Peres, close to the intersection of Manchester Avenue and Mitchell Avenue. The blocked main caused sewage to enter into the River des Peres. The blockage was removed and cleanup procedures were immediately implemented. Cleanup is ongoing and will continue for the next 48 to 72 hours.
It is estimated that 90,000 gallons of sewage entered the River des Peres, impacting approximately 6,000 feet of river. The impacted area runs from the discharge point near Manchester Avenue and Mitchell Avenue downstream to just past where Arsenal Street crosses the river.
While there is no immediate threat to public health or safety, the public is asked to avoid contact with the River des Peres 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 affected sections of the River des Peres. If anyone should come into contact with the River des Peres in this area, they should immediately and thoroughly wash with soap and water.
The sewage discharge was reported to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, as required by law.