City of Fort Atkinson officials have reported that a sewer line backup resulting in the discharge of untreated sewage near the entrance to Rock River Park occurred Sunday, Feb. 27.
The road entrance to Rock River Park will remain closed as crews repair the damaged sewer line and complete the final cleanup. The park remains open to foot traffic in all other areas. Repair and cleanup should be completed by the end of the day Tuesday, March 1, according to the information released Monday.
Crews were notified of the situation and the discharge was stopped in less than 60 minutes. It is estimated that between 8,000 and 12,000 gallons were released, the information stated.
Sewage was contained within the roadside swale at the entrance to Rock River Park, but between 5,000 and 9,000 gallons of liquid waste flowed under the road into the adjacent pond. The volume of natural water in the pond is estimated at 280,000 gallons. City crews removed 3,000 gallons of sewage on site during cleanup, the release noted.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources was notified of the release immediately and was on site to assess impacts. The pond is not connected to the Rock River at current water levels. Risks to public health were deemed low. Both situations continue to be monitored and assessed Monday to ensure all concerns have been evaluated and cleanup measures employed, the release continued.
Residents are reminded they should never flush any fats, oil, or grease down the drains. These materials, along with trash and other items labeled “wipes” or “flushable,” should be placed in disposal bins with other household trash. These materials cause blockages leading to backups in homes and businesses, and in this case, Rock River Park, the release read.
Those with questions or in need of additional information may contact Director of Public Works Andy Selle by phone: 920.563.7760, or email: aselle@fortatkinsonwi.net.
Fort Atkinson Municipal Building, file photo/Kim McDarison.
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