Valdosta sewer main collapse, US 84, effects to E. Park Ave., along Knights Creek 2023-02-15

Update 2023-02-21: Valdosta says it spilled 672,250 gallons of sewage into the Knights Creek floodplain 2023-02-21.

Update 2023-02-21: Clean water quality at Mud Swamp Creek and Sasser Landing, Alapaha River 2023-02-18.

Update 2023-02-17: Valdosta River Street sewage spill into Hightower Creek 2023-02-08.

Well, this sounds like a major Valdosta sewage spill, next to Knights Creek, which flows into Mud Swamp Creek, the Alapahoochee River, the Alapaha River, and the Suwannee River.

Sewer main @ US 84, VALORGIS, ARWT

Neither this spill, nor last week’s minor spill, yet show up in the GA-EPD Sewage Spills Report.

Received yesterday evening. I’ve added all the maps and images. Valdosta did not even name Knights Creek, referring only to “the low-lying area.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE
DATE: Thursday, February 16, 2023
CONTACT: Sharah Denton, Community Relations & Marketing Manager
Telephone: (229) 259-3548
sdenton@valdostacity.com
www.valdostacity.com

Sewer Main Collapse and Emergency Repairs

The City of Valdosta Utilities Department received communication from a local business regarding a possible sewer issue at the 1800 block of E. Park Ave on Wednesday, February 15.

1800 block, E. Park Ave. in VALORGIS

E. Park Ave. Knights Creek Bridge, downstream in Google Streetview

Central Lines utility crews were immediately dispatched to the location to investigate the complaint.

Lakeland Hwy Lift Station, 1850 E. Park Ave. in Google Streetview

While investigating the issue, city staff located a collapsed 20” Sewer Main near Hwy 84 and Blanchard Rd.

US 84 @ Blanchard Street, VALORGIS

US 84 sewer main, Knights Creek in ARWT

A local underground utility contractor was engaged and has mobilized to the site to install a bypass to restore normal sewage flow in the main (in progress) and assist city crews in repairing the collapsed sewer main.

Valdosta sewer main, north from US 84 @ Knights Creek, Google Streetview

City Environmental staff began investigating upstream locations and checking manholes along the City’s sewer main and utilities easement for possible spills because of the low-lying area.

Knights Creek in the WWALS map of the Alapaha River Water Trail (ARWT)
After a preliminary investigation (ongoing), a spill was identified in an area along the City’s sanitary sewer easement in the general vicinity of E. Park Ave. City staff and the local contractor are still engaged and working on the repairs.

E. Park Ave. sewer spill, Knights Creek in the WWALS map of the Alapaha River Water Trail (ARWT)
GA EPD was apprised of the situation and current details of the event and response. Mud Creek, Water Pollution Control Plant, was notified early and is monitoring their inflow and processes.

Knights Creek to Alapaha River in ARWT

The City will continue its ongoing efforts to improve and upgrade the sewer system infrastructure. For more information, contact the Utilities Department Environmental Department at 229-259-3592 or jwaite@valdostacity.com.

Sharah’ N. Denton, M.S.
Community Relations & Marketing Manager
“A City Without Limits”
P.O. Box 1125
Valdosta, GA 31603
Cell: 229-251-4779
Office: 229.259.3548