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City reports sanitary sewer overflow, IEPA notified; DO levels recover, cleanup continues
Summary
Staff reported an SSO near 1020 Dallas Road, notified the Illinois EPA within 24 hours, and said dissolved oxygen levels returned to acceptable ranges after cleanup; the city is pursuing vegetation cleanup and further inspection of pipes and manholes.
Public works staff updated the Committee of the Whole on July 14 about a sanitary sewer overflow (SSO) discovered at 1020 Dallas Road earlier in the week.
"The crews were notified Monday morning of a sewage smell" and upon inspection found an overflowing manhole and bubbling into vegetation, Public Works (Brian) said. The city contacted the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) within 24 hours, brought in contractor equipment when the city's jetter truck was unavailable, and used vacuum and hydrant flushing to move sewage downstream and reduce localized impacts.
Staff said dissolved oxygen (DO) measurements taken Tuesday through Thursday improved daily and that most sample sites were above 5.5 milligrams per liter by Thursday, a level the IEPA recommends for streams of that nature. "After that the visual inspections Thursday looked good," Brian said, but he cautioned that vegetation removal and targeted cleanup of the backyard area at 1020 remain in progress and that staff are awaiting pricing for a brush attachment to reach soft areas safely.
Council members asked about cause and public safety. Brian indicated the blockage involved tree roots and grease accumulation and said further CCTV inspection or lining could be needed: "there were a lot of roots coming in through the casting and stuff." Regarding public messaging, staff said DO and visual recovery support the stream returning to a healthier state but stopped short of advising recreational use; members agreed follow-up "all clear" notices via CodeRED, the city website or social media would help reassure residents once cleanup is complete.
No fines or enforcement outcomes were discussed in the meeting. Staff said a required SSO report was submitted to the IEPA within five days and that they had daily contact with the agency during response operations.
Next steps: staff will complete vegetation cleanup, obtain equipment pricing for safe access, and continue water-quality sampling before issuing a community follow-up notice.
