(WNY News Now) – A significant untreated sewage discharge is affecting Smoke Creek in Hamburg, New York, following heavy rainfall and snowmelt.
The Southtowns Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility (AWTF) – Erie County Sewer District #3 (ECSD #3) has issued a notification about an ongoing sewage discharge at 5035 Richmond Avenue near Abbott Road in Hamburg, New York. This discharge is affecting Smoke Creek, a local waterbody.
The discharge, attributed to system capacity challenges caused by localized heavy rainfall and snowmelt, began on December 9, 2024, at 12:18 PM and has been flowing untreated at an estimated rate of 1,000 gallons per minute. As of the notification, the duration of the event is ongoing and currently totals two hours.
Efforts to contain the discharge include setting up pumps that automatically start and stop based on water levels. However, the discharge remains untreated, potentially posing risks to public health and the environment. The exact impact on public areas remains unclear at this time.
Residents and stakeholders concerned about sewage discharges can refer to the Sewage Pollution Right to Know Act (SPRTK) for more information on reporting and monitoring such events.
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