Media Statement: Eden Sewer Pump Station Mechanical Fail

Media Statement: Eden Sewer Pump Station Mechanical Fail
Issued George Municipality, 17 July @ 16h46 for immediate release

George Municipality is aware of an overflow earlier today into the Kat River Tributary following the mechanical failure of a non-return valve on the pump station delivery manifold. The spill occurred during peak flow when a combination of sewerage and sludge from the old and new Water Treatment Plants entered the pump station.

The overflow consists mostly of sludge from the old and new Water Treatment Works and has a dark brown appearance with no associated odour. All overflows are reported and treated according to the guidelines of the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) as prescribed in the General Authorisation or License requirement.

George Municipality is addressing the mechanical failure as an emergency noting that materials and manufacture of certain items are required prior to the repair being undertaken. The Civil Engineering Services Department has reviewed the sludge discharge regime at the water treatment facilities to avoid a similar overflow taking place again until the remedial emergency work can be completed. Should all go to plan, the emergency work will be undertaken Monday evening.