A sewage spill in Lebanon Missouri was blamed on a faulty alarm.  An estimated 18,000 gallons of partially treated wastewater and sludge was released from Lebanon’s sewage plant.  The high-water-level alarm malfunctioned allowing the partially treated wastewater and sluge to be released into a nearby tributary of Dry Auglaise Creek and ultimately into the creek.

The overflow began at approximately 5 a.m. and continued until shortly after 8 a.m. The incident was reported to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).  An inspector was dispatched to the site to determine the extent of environmental damage to the creek.

The the discharge of partially treated sewage from sanitary sewer collection systems is considered by the DNR to be a significant threat to public health and the environment by contaminating lakes and streams that lead to serious water quality issues.

An estimated 18,000 gallons of partially treated wastewater and sludge was released into the Dry Auglaise Creek.  The overflow continued for approximately 3 hours.  The Department of Natural Resources is investigating to determine the extent of environmental damage.