MOUNT OLIVE, N.C. — The Town of Mount Olive has reported a sanitary sewer overflow of approximately 144,000 gallons following heavy rainfall, triggering a public notification required under North Carolina law.
According to town officials, the overflow occurred at Lift Station No. 1 on Norbert Wilson Road after heavy rainfall over a 12-hour period overwhelmed the sewer collection system.
The spill began around 3 a.m. on Friday, July 24, and continued until approximately 3 p.m. the same day. Officials said the overflow reached surface waters, requiring the town to notify the public under House Bill 1160, enacted by the North Carolina General Assembly in 1999.
The law requires municipalities to release information within 24 hours whenever a sanitary sewer overflow of 1,000 gallons or more reaches surface waters. Because the Mount Olive spill exceeded 15,000 gallons, the town is also required to issue a public notice in addition to a press release.
Town officials said the overflow was caused by excessive stormwater entering the sewer system during the prolonged rainfall event. The town is continuing efforts to reduce inflow and infiltration into the sewer collection system while also addressing land application issues at its wastewater treatment plant.
Officials noted that funding has already been secured to make improvements to the town’s wastewater treatment plant, which they say will help address ongoing infrastructure challenges.
The North Carolina Division of Water Quality was notified of the overflow on Monday, July 27.
Residents are encouraged to avoid contact with affected surface waters until conditions return to normal. Town officials said they remain committed to improving the wastewater system to reduce the likelihood of future overflows.
Comments