Metro Atlanta
Metro Atlanta

Wipes, paper cause sewage to spill into Gwinnett creek tributary

Fulton County will reimburse Roswell about $1 million to relocate a manhole, fire hydrant, water valves and other equipment for the Hardscrabble Green Loop project.
Fulton County will reimburse Roswell about $1 million to relocate a manhole, fire hydrant, water valves and other equipment for the Hardscrabble Green Loop project.
By Amanda C. Coyne
Jan 26, 2017

More than 5,800 gallons of sewage spilled from a manhole in Norcross on Thursday due to wipes and other debris, the Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources said.

The leak started around 11:25 a.m. on  Meadowbrook Drive and was stopped by 1 p.m. Some of the sewage got into an unnamed tributary of Jackson Creek, a department spokeswoman said.

Trending Gwinnett news: Son kept in basement for 18 months testifies as Wimbush trial begins

The department raked the area and spread lime to mitigate the effects of the spill. Signs were also posted to notify residents. Exposure to raw sewage can cause illnesses and bacterial infections including E. coli.

The water department urges Gwinnett County residents to stop treating their toilets like trash cans and put garbage into the proper waste receptacles.

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About the Author

Amanda Coyne is a hyperlocal reporter for the AJC, covering Gwinnett County.

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