(Undated)– The rapid snowmelt over the past week has also caused problems with some wastewater treatment facilities in northwest Iowa. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources says several had to bypass untreated wastewater into streams due to the excess water that was flowing into their facilities.
The city of George started bypassing Wednesday afternoon when a lift station couldn’t keep up. About 320-thousand gallons was bypassed into a ditch leading to the Little Rock River before bypassing ended around 7:00 this (Thurs.) morning. DNR officials say any impact on the stream should be minimal.
The city of Hull began bypassing Tuesday afternoon when lagoons came dangerously close to overflowing. About 630-thousand gallons was bypassed to Bur Oak Creek, and then to the Rock River, before bypassing stopped around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday.
In Palo Alto county, the Lost Island Sanitary District at Ruthven began bypassing Tuesday night when a lift station couldn’t handle excessive amounts of water during the snow melt. The city is checking to see if a sewer main from an abandoned trailer court may have contributed to the problem.
