A broken sewage pipe is leading to traffic for commuters in Montgomery County on Tuesday morning.
The right eastbound lane of Clara Barton Parkway past the Capital Beltway is closed, the Metropolitan Area Transportation Operations Coordination program said. There is no timeline as to when the pipe could be repaired. DC Water says commuters should expect delays and consider taking alternate routes.
There is an odor in the area.
Crews saw wastewater was flowing from the Potomac Interceptor sewer line in C & O Canal National Historical Park on Monday night. Crews are working to contain the overflow and assess damage.
“DC Water has mobilized its crews and contractors to mitigate the overflow and keep it contained as much as possible so they can assess the damage and begin repairs,” DC Water said.
DC Water Senior Manager of Communications Sherri Lewis said crews created a bypass in the Potomac Interceptor upstream from the pipe that will divert the flow into the C & O Canal.
“It’ll essentially damn it and store it to prevent as much as possible from going into the Potomac River,” Lewis said. “We will have pumps that will pump it back into the Potomac Interceptor further downstream away from this collapse.”
Trails and parking near the parkway could be affected. Residents who live in the area might smell an odor from the sewage.
The pipe’s overflow is expected to reach the Potomac River. Drinking water won’t be affected, DC Water said.
“It is important to note that DC Water’s drinking water system is separate from the wastewater system and is NOT affected by the overflow. The overflow is downstream from the Washington Aqueduct’s intakes at Great Falls,” DC Water said.
The Potomac Interceptor sewer line carries about 60 million gallons of wastewater daily from areas near Dulles International Airport.
DC Water says untreated sewage could contain pathogens that cause various illnesses, ranging from E. coli to hepatitis. If you or someone you know comes in contact with the sewage, DC Water says to do the following:
- Leave the area immediately.
- Wash exposed skin thoroughly with soap and clean water.
- Disinfect any affected areas or items.
- Do not consume food or water that may have been exposed.
- Seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
- Report exposure to DC Water at (202) 612-3400.
