Galveston, Texas – November 29, 2021 – The City of Galveston (COG) is experiencing a release of raw sewage from the force main that leads to the Wastewater Treatment Plant, located at 7618 Mustang Road, Galveston, Texas, however, crews are working now to repair the line and will continue working until the line is repaired.
A contractor planting trees along Jones Drive near the airport struck a force main Monday causing a release of sewage onto adjacent property and the Lake Madeline channel.
City of Galveston personnel have notified the appropriate local government officials and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Regional Office. There do not appear to be any ground water wells within ½ mile of the spill site or within the potentially affected area.
The City will send samples for lab testing as soon as possible. There have been no visible adverse impacts to aquatic life, but this will need to be verified by the results of the sampling and testing. The contractor and their engineer will provide the City their plan to clean-up the sewage in the bay and land areas, and will be responsible for cleanup.
The public should avoid contact with waste material, soil, or water in the area potentially affected by the spill. If the public comes into contact with the waste material, soil, or water potentially affected by the spill, they should bathe and wash clothes thoroughly as soon as possible. Fishing in the area affected by the spill is strongly discouraged.
The WWTP is currently in operation. The public drinking water continues to be safe for consumption and use from treatment at the COG’s water treatment facilities.
Should you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact the of Galveston Public Information Officer, at mbarnett@galvestontx.gov or 409-692-6514.