Officers probe US wastewater spills

Environmental officials in the US have launched an investigation into two wastewater spills.

According to the department of natural resources and environmental control, the largest of the incidences - which could have involved a multi-million gallon discharge - occurred during a power failure at a plant.

The loss of power resulted in the halting of the chlorination process at the plant for almost two hours, reports the News Journal.

Peder Hansen, the department's surface water discharges manager, said the operation sees 72 million gallons of wastewater being pumped on a daily basis.

Around six million gallons of water could have entered the Delaware River without being treated.

In related news, the office of wastewater management at the US environmental protection agency has awarded its 2008 National Clean Water Recognition Awards to 24 municipalities and industries, reports Water Technology Online.