1.16 million gallons of sewage overflows into Towson area tributary

The waters of a tributary of Herring Run have been tainted with 1.16 million gallons of sewage due from an overflow caused by blockage in a 12-inch sanitary sewer just north of the city line in the Idlewylde-Anneslie area of Towson.

Meters indicate the blockage that generated the overflow occurred near the intersection of Banbury Road and Walker Avenue on Wednesday, Oct. 12, according to Baltimore County Department of Works spokesman David Fidler.

But it was not discovered until Tuesday, Oct. 18 when county utility crews investigated an odor complaint. The line was cleared by 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 19, Fidler said.

The county Department of Health is now monitoring the tributary. The department has a "Stream Sense" sign posted in the vicinity of the overflow. Since the pipe leads from the county to the city, Baltimore City health officials are also posting signs cautioning city residents to avoid contact with the water.

Results of the monitoring by Baltimore County Department of Health will be posted online at: http://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/health/ehs.