Wastewater line filled with large debris, wipes causes manhole blockage
El Paso— On Monday morning, EPWater discovered a manhole leaking wastewater on Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) right-of-way, near the U.S./Mexico border, about half-mile mile south of the Spur 1966 interchange. The wastewater overflow was stopped at about 3:30 p.m. Monday. Crews removed a large blockage from the wastewater line comprised of wipes, concrete and rags that caused the manhole to overflow. Nearby streets, homes or businesses were not impacted, but some of the wastewater flows did reach the riverbed.
“While this event had a limited impact on the riverbed, we are extremely sensitive to any wastewater in the riverbed, given the Frontera emergency last year,” said Gilbert Trejo, Interim Chief Operations Officer. “However, this event was a stark contrast to Frontera because it was identified and resolved within hours.”
The issue was caused by a blockage and serves as a reminder for people to be extremely cognizant of what is put down the drain and the damage that it can cause.
No water or wastewater services were affected in the area. The public drinking water supply is not at risk since the Rio Grande is not currently in operation. El Paso’s river treatment plants stopped treating river water in September.
EPWater began disinfecting the area immediately after the discharge was stopped. EPWater notified the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the Office of Emergency Management, TXDOT, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, International Water and Boundary Commission and El Paso County Water Improvement District #1 of the event.
Preliminary estimates are that about 250,000 gallons were discharged onto the floodplain with a smaller amount making its way to the riverbed.
The following is required language from TCEQ for a wastewater discharge event of this size:
Although it was determined that the public water supply was not affected, EPWater customers or persons who purchase water from another public water supply may contact their water supply distributor to determine if the water is safe for personal use.
Persons using private drinking water supply wells located within 1/2-mile of the spill site or within the potentially affected area should use only water that has been distilled or boiled at a rolling boil for at least one minute for all personal uses including drinking, cooking, bathing, and tooth brushing. Individuals with private water wells should have their well water tested and disinfected, if necessary, prior to discontinuing distillation or boiling.
The public should avoid contact with wastewater or soil in the area affected by the discharge. If contact is made, it is advised to bathe and wash clothes thoroughly as soon as possible.