Iowa DNR News
Environmental Services Division
 
For immediate release                                                                                   Nov. 16, 2007 
 
WASTEWATER DISCHARGE NEAR CARROLL HOSPITAL INVESTIGATED
 
MEDIA CONTACT: Kirk Mathis at (712) 250-8644 or Dan Olson at (712) 243-1934
 
CARROLL — The DNR is investigating a broken sewer line and wastewater discharge near a Carroll hospital on Friday.
 
Two city employees noticed a sewage smell near St. Anthony Regional Hospital on the south side of Carroll Thursday afternoon. Upon investigating, city staff found a wastewater discharge from a storm sewer into a drainage ditch that leads to the Middle Raccoon River. Dye tests conducted by the city traced the discharge to a service line that leads from the hospital to the city’s sanitary sewer system. It is not the main service line from the hospital.
 
Further investigation by the city and DNR found that a contractor working on a building addition to the hospital struck the wastewater collection line, sending the discharge into the storm sewer system. The contractor, Graham Construction, reported that they had contacted Iowa One Call before digging.
 
Graham Construction has again contacted Iowa One Call and will excavate to make needed repairs to the wastewater line on Friday.
 
The discharge remains ongoing at an estimated rate of 15 to 30 gallons per minute. It is unknown how much wastewater reached the Middle Raccoon River. City staff has collected water samples.
 
People should avoid the drainage ditch area for 24 to 48 hours after the discharge ends. The Des Moines Water Works has been notified of the discharge, and downstream livestock users should use appropriate precautions.
 
The DNR will continue to investigate.
 
Writer: Jessie Brown
 
-30-
 Neila Seaman Director Sierra Club, Iowa Chapter 3839 Merle Hay Road, Suite 280 Des Moines, IA 50310 [log in to unmask] 515-277-8868
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