Workers have contained a major sewage spill that spewed into Snapfinger Creek near Lithonia in DeKalb County since last week.
Government employees and emergency contractor crews repaired a concrete junction box that was damaged by a tree growing out of a concrete junction box, according to the county. They also installed two temporary bypass systems at the creek crossing.
“Our crews have been working around the clock to repair this system and contain the spill,” said DeKalb CEO Mike Thurmond in a statement Sunday. “We will now turn our attention to permanent repairs and the regular inspection and maintenance of our sewer infrastructure.”
Thurmond has also ordered staff to conduct emergency inspections of all creek crossings in the county.
The spill was discovered Wednesday near Eagle's Beek Circle in Lithonia on a 54-inch creek crossing north of Snapfinger Wastewater Treatment Plant. Full containment of the spill was achieved Saturday afternoon.
The estimated size of the spill is still being assessed.
Residents should avoid the spill site and keep their pets from the waterway, which could spread illnesses from bacteria. The spill doesn’t affect drinking water.
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