SMITHFIELD – Johnston County Public Utilities reported a large untreated wastewater spill near Smithfield.
The Johnston County wastewater collection system had a discharge of untreated wastewater from approximately 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 16 in the 2300 block of Swift Creek Road near US 70.
The spill was estimated at approximately 251,000 gallons. The untreated wastewater discharged into drainage ways to surface waters that flow to Reedy Branch Creek.
Officials said the discharge occurred due to mechanical failure from intermittent power interruptions as gusty winds and strong storms moved through the area.
The NC Division of Water Resources was notified of the incident.
I hope this serves as a “fix” (aka prevention) for a future simple malfunction. Power fluctuations are common. Those of us downstream would appreciate it…