Crews with the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD) are responding to a failing sewer pipe to the immediate west of the intersection of Bellefontaine Road and Delaird Drive in Bellefontaine Neighbors. The sewer runs along the south bank of Maline creek. Joints between sections of the sewer line have separated, allowing an undetermined amount of sewage to discharge into Maline Creek. Crews are working to contain the spill, which has impacted approximately 1,000 feet of creek bank to the east of the break. However, with today’s rain, and more rain possible overnight, the length of creek that is impacted could increase.
MSD crews are working to contain the discharge and, depending on the amount of rainfall received, setup a pump that will bypass the failure.
While there is no immediate threat to public health or safety, the public is asked to avoid contact with Maline 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 the affected section of Maline Creek. If anyone should come into contact with the creek in this area, they should immediately and thoroughly wash with soap and water.
The failing sewer was discovered by staff from the City of Bellefontaine Neighbors and reported to MSD at 2:45 PM this afternoon. The cause of the failure is undetermined at this time. The sewer pipe is constructed of clay and is over 50 years old.
The sewer failure and discharge of sewage has been reported to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, as required by law.