Annapolis (August 3, 2003) -- The Anne Arundel County Department of Public Works reports that a wastewater line near the community of Arundel on the Bay has experienced a second break within a two week period. Early estimates indicate that at least 50,000 gallons of wastewater left the system. The break occurred under Arundel on the Bay Road near Bay Highlands Road. It was reported to the Emergency Dispatch Center at approximately 1:00 p.m. Saturday by a nearby resident. The flow was contained by 4:00 p.m. and repairs to the line finished at approximately 8:00 p.m. Both the Anne Arundel County Department of Health and the Maryland Department of the Environment have been notified. While every effort was made to clean the area, the Department of Health has temporarily closed Oyster Creekas a precaution. Oyster Creekwas not impacted after the forcemain break of July 21, 2003. Test results will be available later this week. The affected area has been posted and residents are cautioned to avoid the posted area. If anyone should come in contact with the wooded area near the repair or the waters of Oyster Creek, hands and clothing should be washed immediately as a precaution. The Department of Public Works is acutely aware of the pattern of failures along Arundel on the Bay Road and is intensifying the investigation into the cause. It is believed at this time that corrosion is degrading the pipe, something not characteristic of infrastructure that is only 20 years old. The Department is in the process of retaining a corrosion consultant and will accelerate that schedule to the extent possible this week. | 
