Archived News Release: August 27, 2019 - At approximately 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 26, 2019, a complaint was received of sewage spilling onto Ashley Street from a manhole. Staff investigation found that the city's sanitary sewer was surcharging onto the street, running along the gutter, and into the stormwater inlet in the curb, ultimately flowing to Allen Creek. An estimated 2,000 gallons reached the stormwater inlet. The cause was found to be concrete chunks that were catching debris and blocking flow in the sanitary pipe.
City of Ann Arbor Public Works staff completed all cleanup activities within an hour of receiving notification. The affected road surface was limed, to neutralize any bacteria on the ground surface. Out of an abundance of caution, until testing can be completed, river trips between Argo and Gallup will be closed on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019.
This section of sanitary sewer pipe was cleaned and found to be in excellent condition in July of 2019. Further investigation as to where the concrete debris may have come from is ongoing.
In accordance with regulatory protocols, City of Ann Arbor staff has notified the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.
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