In accordance with the guidelines established by the Maryland Department of the Environment, the Charles County Department of Utilities and the Charles County Health Department report that an accidental wastewater overflow occurred some time after midnight on Monday, June 26, at the Laurel Branch pump station located behind Poplar Lane in the Laurel Branch subdivision off Route 229.
According to the Department of Utilities, torrential rains which began on Friday, June 23, and continued throughout the weekend, caused flooding at the pump station, spilling approximately 30,000 gallons of a mixture of mostly rain and some wastewater into a small, unnamed tributary of Mattawoman Creek.
The overflow was discovered Monday at approximately 2:00 am and ceased by 3:30 am. Because of the heavy rains and swollen creek, the overflow dissipated rapidly. The Department of Utilities said they anticipate no adverse environmental impact from the overflow. As a precaution, however, signs have been posted advising residents to avoid contact with the creek water. Lime has been spread along the affected area.
“The affected area poses no threat to the environment, public health, or drinking water,” said the Charles County Department of Health.