News Article

Archived News Release: September 27, 2016 - ​At approximately 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2016, a sanitary sewer overflow occurred in the construction area on Geddes Avenue near the entrance to Gallup Park. The overflow resulted when a valve broke during bypass pumping operations for a sanitary sewer pipe rehabilitation project. A similar event occurred this past Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, which has resulted in the city working more closely with the contractor to ensure increased compliance and safety on the construction site.

The pumps were immediately shut down.  All sewage was contained on land in the area immediately adjacent to the overflow. There were no impacts to stormwater or the Huron River. It is estimated that 100-150 gallons of sewage was released. The impacted area was cleaned and treated with a powdered lime to neutralize and accelerate the decomposition of any remaining sewage. As a precaution, the impacted area has been cordoned off. Pedestrians in the area are advised to stay on the designated path. 

In accordance with regulatory protocols, City of Ann Arbor staff contacted the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality to inform them of this unfortunate incident.

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