           Home > News > News Item |
||||||
 |
News Release RI Department of Environmental Management 235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908 (401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462
DEM NOTIFIED OF 5,500-GALLON SLUDGE SPILL AT CRANSTON WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT PROVIDENCE -- The Department of Environmental Management was notified this afternoon that 5,500 gallons of sewage sludge - the solid material found in sewage - spilled from a storage tank at the Cranston Wastewater Treatment plant on 140 Pettaconsett Avenue in Cranston.The plant notified DEM that the spill occurred around 2 p.m. today and lasted for about 15 minutes. Initial reports indicate that a faulty sensor in the storage tank may be the cause of the spill. Most of the material was discharged into the Pawtuxet River. The effects may include elevated bacteria levels in the river, and possible odors. An inspector from the operations and maintenance section of DEM's Office of Water Resources visited the wastewater treatment plant this afternoon following the spill. The Department has required the facility to conduct water quality monitoring and take fecal coliform samples from the Pawtuxet River, and to submit their findings to DEM within 5 days. As a precaution, DEM suggests that people refrain from contact sports along the Pawtuxet River or from fishing in the river for the next 24 hours. The Cranston Wastewater Treatment facility is operated by US Filter, under contract with the City of Cranston. The plant typically treats about 13 million gallons of sewage per day, and the sludge is incinerated at the plant daily. -30- |
|||||
For General Information 222-6800 • After Hours Emergencies 222-3070 • Disclaimer