Crews with the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD) are making repairs after a sewer main break near 2351 Bramble Lane in Florissant, Missouri. The 24-inch sewer main leaked into Coldwater Creek and is contained. While an exact cause for the break has not yet been determined, it appears the recent heavy rainfall and flooding that occurred in December 2015 may have contributed to the surface caving-in, causing the soil in the area to give way and then causing the pipe to roll into the creek.
The St. Louis Region experienced the wettest year in 2015, the wettest December and historic flooding. MSD is increasing inspections of the sewer system along area creeks, streams and rivers, because the sewer systems in these areas are frequently impacted by severe wet weather.
The gravity sewer main break was discovered on Wednesday by an MSD contractor that was conducting a site inspection of the area where the cave-in occurred. MSD crews have set up temporary pumping around the break, while repairs are being made to the pipe. It is estimated that over 50,000 gallons of sewage entered the creek, impacting approximately 200 feet of creek.
MSD is placing warning signs in these areas, advising the public to avoid contact with affected section of this creek. While there is no immediate threat to public health or safety, the public is asked to avoid contact with the creek in this area while MSD crews make the necessary repairs and cleanup the affected area. If anyone should come into contact with the creek in this area, they should immediately and thoroughly wash with soap and water.
The sewer main break was reported to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, as required by law.