Charlotte investigating illegal chemicals dumped into sewer system

Charlotte investigating illegal dumping into Charlotte's water sewer system. (WSOC)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WSOC) The city of Charlotte is asking for the publics help in trying to find the person who illegally dumped chemicals into Mallard Creek.

Officials held a media briefing Friday morning to share details on the investigation into the illegal dumping.

City Manager Ron Carlee, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities Director Barry Gullet, CFD Hazmat Deputy Jeff Dulin and CMPD Detective Rob Klass were in attendance.

Officials said that on Thursday, CFD hazmat crews responded to reports of an unusual substance flowing into the Mallard Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant on U.S. 29 North. An oily sheen could be seen on the surface of the water. The flow was contained in a holding tank until it was determined that it was safe to return the plant for service. The plant was back online Friday morning.

We worked through the night to make adjustments in the plant to be sure that we could handle the product and that we could produce safe and clean wastewater from the plant. So the plant, like Mr. Carlee said, is back online, and is functioning this morning, Gullett said.

The chemical has been identified as polychlorinated biphenyls or PCBs and trichlorobenzene. Officials said the citys water supply has not been affected by the illegal dumping and that this was an isolated incident in Mallard Creek.

Police think this is a case of illegal and deliberate dumping. They are asking anyone who may have seen anything suspicious late Wednesday evening or early Thursday morning near the Food Lion grocery store along Sugar Creek Road and W.T. Harris Boulevard to call police.

A Food Lion representative said the company is working closely with the City, EPA and other agencies to investigate the possibility of a third-party illegally dumping chemicals into a sewer drain near our Food Lion Store located at Sugar Creek Road and Harris Boulevard. Food Lion is working with authorities in the investigation to lead to the ultimate arrest of any and all individuals responsible for this situation.

The drinking water is safe, including the well water that many people in this area use, officials said, however they want people living along Mallard Creek south of the plant to be careful and avoid animal and human contact with the water until more tests can be done.

Go here to see the original:
Charlotte investigating illegal chemicals dumped into sewer system