Millions of Gallons of Sewage into Back River

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Approximately 2.4 million gallons of sewage overflowed Sunday into the Back River in Essex, according to a news release on Tuesday from the Baltimore City Department of Public Works.

The cause of the overflow is mostly due to heavy rainfall, which greatly increased the flow of sewage into the Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant. The overflow lasted from about 12:20 to 2 p.m.

In addition, construction upgrades at the facility have temporarily reduced its ability to handle such a capacity, according to the release.

is currently closed, while notices were also posted at Cox’s Point and Edgemere Park.

The Maryland Department of the Environment and the Baltimore City and Baltimore County Health Departments have been notified.

The Baltimore County Health Department’s website, where the warning is also posted, also offers the following tips to those who use recreational waters:

• Be observant for cloudy or discolored water in streams, rivers or the bay, and of waters that are laden with debris. Water quality may have been negatively impacted.
• Do not drink stream water.
• Avoid contact with potentially contaminated water if you have open cuts or bandaged wounds. If accidental contact with contaminated water occurs, wash any damaged skin areas as soon as possible.
• Minimize hand-to-mouth contact and be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before eating.

For more information about health concerns due to the overflow, contact the Baltimore County Health Department at 410-887-3663-4422 or the Baltimore City Health Department at 410-396-4422.