Health alert–Martin Creek near Seneca

A sewage cleanup is underway near Seneca and while the cleanup is in progress members of the public and pets along Martin Creek between Wells Highway and Lake Hartwell should avoid contact with the creek. The Joint Regional Sewer Authority says a DOT contractor installing a guardrail yesterday on the shoulder of Wells Highway and Stonegate Drive accidentally drove a post into a 14-inch pressurized sewer force main. The line ruptured and caused a spill of about 40 thousand gallons of wastewater. According to the JRSA, once the JRSA became aware, flow was diverted to a one million gallon emergency storage tank. DHEC is aware of what happened and will work with the JRSA to remediate the area, along with analyzing water from Martin Creek. Signs are posted to alert those in the vicinity to avoid the area and affected waterways.