Sewer Main Break In South County

Crews with the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD) are making repairs to an underground force main sewer that has broken in South St. Louis County.

Crews with the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD) are making repairs to an underground force main sewer that has broken in South St. Louis County. The break which occurred near Christopher Drive and Nellie Avenue in Oakville, was reported to MSD on Saturday by a property owner.

As a result of the force main break, sewage has overflowed to the Mississippi River, and MSD has shut down a pump station upstream of the break to allow for necessary repairs. Sewer service to homes and businesses in this area has not and will not be affected.

Repairs began this morning should be completed within the next 24 to 48 hours. MSD crews have set up temporary pumping around the break to minimize the amount of overflow during repair.

MSD has placed warning signs in these areas and advising the public to avoid the affected area, and will continue to monitor other manholes in the vicinity. While there is no immediate threat to public health or safety, the public is asked to avoid this area while MSD crews make the necessary repairs. If anyone should come into contact with the overflow, 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.