Water Pollution Control Division Press Release 5-19-2020

CITY OF FLINT UTILITIES DEPARTMENT

WATER POLLUTION CONTROL DIVISION
PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

SUBJECT: RETENTION / TREATMENT BASIN DISCHARGE

On 05/19/2020 @ 0248am., the City of Flint Water Pollution Control Facility discharged excess wet weather flows, consisting of a treated mixture of stormwater and sewage, from its Retention/Treatment Basin. This discharge was due to wet weather influent flow that exceeded the treatment plant’s designed capacities. The Retention/Treatment basin discharges into the Flint River. The discharge is disinfected and continuously monitored for the duration of the event to ensure adequate treatment. As a precautionary measure required by law, the State of Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and the Genesee County Health Department have been notified, as well as officials of Flint Township and Flushing.

The Genesee County Health Department recommends against body contact with the Flint River under high flow conditions, particularly downstream of the release, west of the Mill Road Bridge at Flushing Road. Large amounts of runoff and churning of the river sediments generally result in high bacterial levels in the river throughout high flow areas. Notification of the water sample test results will be made by postings on the State of Michigan website.

Please utilize your facilities to disseminate this information to the public as soon as possible for the protection of the public.

We appreciate your cooperation in this matter.

Jeanette Best, WPC Supervisor