A faulty sewer bypass line connector led to a spill of an estimated 15,000 gallons of untreated wastewater.

The connector was discovered Monday afternoon by City of Wilson staff along the Contentnea Interceptor, approximately 1,600 feet NE of US Highway 264 and Lattice Road. Portions of the untreated wastewater was discharged into Contentnea creek within the Neuse River basin.

The City is closely monitoring the water quality in the area of the spill, and the water treatment plant was also alerted as an additional precaution. At this time, the City’s water supply has not been negatively affected, although the City will continue to closely monitor the conditions.

he Division of Water Resources was notified of the event on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024, and is reviewing the matter. For more information, contact the City of Wilson at (252) 296-3398.

General Statute 143-215.1C requires that the owner or operator of any wastewater collection or treatment works to issue a press release when an untreated wastewater discharge of 1,000 gallons or more reaches surface waters.