A Trinity River Authority wastewater collection line in Cedar Hill overflowed wastewater between approximately 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 8, after heavy rains caused hydraulic overloading. The line is located in the 400 block of Shady Brook Lane and spilled into Bentle Branch Creek, a tributary of Ten Mile Creek.
TRA estimates that approximately 120,000 gallons of wastewater were released. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) requires all wastewater overflows in excess of 100,000 gallons to be reported to TCEQ, the public, and other designated public officials.
No public drinking water supplies were threatened or contaminated by this overflow. Its impact was minimized by large quantities of storm water that served to dilute wastewater both in the line and in Ten Mile Creek.
During heavy rain events such as those recently experienced in the DFW area, it is common for storm water from overflowing creeks to cover manholes and underground wastewater pipes. Water is then able to enter the lines through cracks and openings When this happens, pipelines become hydraulically overloaded, and wastewater spills may occur.
TRA has notified all required city, county and state officials.
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
Chapter 319 – General
Regulations Incorporated Into Permits
Rule Log No. 99031-319-WT
Figure: 30 TAC §319.303
NOTICE OF SPILL FROM A WASTEWATER FACILITY
A spill from a wastewater treatment or collection facility has occurred.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPILL
Facility Name: Trinity River Authority's Ten Mile Creek Regional Wastewater System
Contact for further information: Michelle Clark - Public Information (817) 493-5121
Location of the spill: 400 block of Shady
Brook Lane in the city of Cedar Hill
TRA
TMCRWS Interceptor Sect. III sta. 113+00
Estimated time and date of spill: From 11:10 a.m. to 8:10 p.m., Sept. 8, 2010
Estimated volume of the spill (number of gallons): 120,000
Type of spill: (domestic) (industrial) (other) Explain other Domestic
Area potentially affected: Bentle Branch Creek in the city of Cedar Hill
Suspected cause of spill: Heavy rainfall
THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS HAVE BEEN TAKEN:
x Appropriate local governmental officials have been notified
x TCEQ regional office has been notified
__ The spill has been contained
__ Increased monitoring of water supply systems has been initiated
__ The cause of the spill has been corrected
__ Clean-up activities are underway/completed
__ Other
As listed in the Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) Outreach Initiative Final Corrective Action Plan submitted by the Authority and approved by the Texas Commission On Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the Authority annually performs internal line video inspection and line cleaning activities. Problem areas identified are scheduled for corrective action. Also, a relief project has been identified along the Ten Mile Creek Interceptor, Section III pipeline that includes the construction of approximately 11,000 linear feet of replacement interceptor ranging from 21 to 27-inch diameter which will add additional capacity to this pipeline through the Shady Brook Lane location. Construction contract award is scheduled for October 2010 Board of Director approval. Construction for this pipeline relief project is planned to begin November 2010 with completion in 2011.
Contacts:
Trinity River Authority
Michelle Clark, 817-493-5121
clarkm@trinityra.org