11,000 customers in Arnold and Severna Park urged to conserve water until further notice >> Area Affected by Spill  Annapolis (December 18, 2005) - The Anne Arundel County Department of Public Works (DPW) announced yesterday that a major break in a wastewater line at the Mill Creek Pumping Station caused a significant overflow of wastewater into Mill Creek. Today it is known that the break, which was discovered at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, has been characterized as catastrophic and it is estimated that approximately 3 million gallons of wastewater left the system. A preliminary investigation has revealed that a break in the reinforced concrete pipe created an earthen cave-in, flooding the pumping station with mud and causing the wastewater to flow towards Mill Creek. Both County and contract crews worked throughout the night to clear the pumps of mud and establish a by-pass system. At 11:45 a.m. today, the pumps had been restored and an alternate pump-around system was activated, effectively containing the flow. At this time, approximately 11,000 public wastewater customers in Severna Park and Arnold are urged to continue practicing strict water conservation until further notice. Water usage should be limited to essential needs only in order to minimize the impact on the temporary wastewater by-pass system. The Maryland Department of the Environment and the Anne Arundel County Department of Health have been notified and have visited the site. Mill Creek has been closed and will remain closed until further notice. The Anne Arundel County Department of Health advises people who come into contact with the waters of Mill Creek to wash immediately with soap and warm water. Clothing should also be washed. Crews continue to work to restore permanent repairs and determine the extent of the problem to avoid any potential future breaks. An environmental assessment of the spill is also planned. | 
