Crews with Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD) are responding to a blocked sewer main that is discharging into the River des Peres just south of I-55 at Germania Street and Primm Street. The discharge is being contained and pumped back into the sewer system.
At 10:45 A.M. this morning, MSD personnel making regular inspections of sewer structures discovered a discharge of wastewater into the River des Peres via a stormwater gate structure along the bank of the waterway. The cause of the discharge was found to be a blockage that had developed within the sewer system. The blockage is comprised of debris and other material that generally washes into the sewer system from area streets via curb inlets.
To make the repair, MSD crews must physically enter the sewer system and remove the debris by hand. Due to safety concerns, this work will begin during daylight hours on Friday, end around nightfall, and continue on Saturday. Work could be impacted by weather. In the meantime, the discharge is being contained along the banks of the River des Peres and pumped back into the sewer system. The pumping operation will continue throughout the night and until the blockage is removed.
MSD is placing warning signs in the area, advising the public to avoid contact with the affected section of the River des Peres. While there is no immediate threat to public health or safety, the public is asked to avoid contact with river in this area while MSD crews make the necessary repairs and cleanup the affected area. If anyone should come into contact with the river in this area, they should immediately and thoroughly wash with soap and water.
The sewer blockage and resulting discharge has been reported to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, as required by law.