Chemical dumping closes wastewater treatment plant

Ethanol was illegally dumped into the wastewater system near Charlotte, North Carolina, US, on Sunday (February 9th) and ended up flowing into the Sugar Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. Charlotte-Mecklenburg authorities announced the illegal dumping, which follows on from a similar incident that occurred last week. However, it is thought that the two incidents are not related.

The substance was detected on Sunday evening after workers at the wastewater treatment plant realised that an unusual odour was being given off. The plant was shut down by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities in order to assess what the problem was. 

It was originally thought that polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) had been dumped into the system. PCBs have been banned since the late 1970s as they are an environmental contaminant. However, it was determined that ethanol had actually been dumped, which has not affected the city's drinking water.

Authorities have suggested that all human and animal contact with water from the treatment facility is avoided until further notice. Residents are also advised to avoid contact with the Rocky River and Mallard Creek in Cabarrus County until testing of the water quality in the area can be completed.

It is not yet known whether the latest dumping incident was as a result of an accident or if it was intentional. However, it is not thought to be connected with the earlier incidence of chemicals being unlawfully released into the wastewater system. It is not known how much ethanol has been released into the system, or where along the the wastewater line it was dumped.

Once the Sugar Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant had been shut down, water was diverted to a containment pond on the plant's property. Water that is currently flowing into the facility is being tested but treatment has not yet resumed. Once it is confirmed how much ethanol is present in the water, treatment can be adjusted. This will allow operations at the plant to commence once more.