Switch Malfunction Causes Sewage Spill

Event Year: 2007 Reliability: Confirmed
Country: United States
Industry Type: Water/Waste Water
Description:

A malfunctioning air compressor power switch is believed to be the cause of a sewage spill into Lookingglass Creek.  The switch operates a sensor that tracks sewage levels in the pump station’s well.  Because of early morning failure, the sewage was not pumped through a pressure line and was allowed to spill into the creek.  The amount of material spilled into the creek is unknown.

Impact:

As a result of a switch malfunction, sewage was not pumped into a pressure line and was allowed to spill into Lookingglass Creek. The switch was relatively new and was installed less than 45 days prior to the incident.