The North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) South Mesquite Creek Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant (RWWTP), 3500 Lawson Rd, Mesquite, TX 75181, experienced a disruption in its treatment processes due to an electrical power line being damaged by a contractor. As a result, the plant temporarily lost power, and its discharges into South Mesquite Creek ceased to meet permit requirements beginning at approximately 4:30 p.m. until discharges ceased before 5:40 p.m. on July 5, 2023.
The discharge did not impact the NTMWD potable water system; drinking water delivered by NTMWD is safe for human use and consumption.
It is estimated that in excess of 100,000 gallons of partially treated wastewater was discharged into South Mesquite Creek after the plant experienced a power outage due to a contractor vehicle damaging the main electrical power line. This unexpected power outage affected the final stage of the wastewater treatment process causing a limited amount of partially treated wastewater to be discharged. Pumps interior to the plant were not pumping due to the power outage, preventing additional flow from being discharged from the plant, therefore, the plant stopped discharging before 5:40 p.m. Backup power generators at the plant require the use of the damaged power line and could not be initiated.
NTMWD staff coordinated an immediate response to limit unauthorized releases of domestic wastewater and for cleanup and repairs. Power was restored at 7:10 p.m., and normal plant operations resumed at that time. NTMWD notified the appropriate local governmental officials and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Regional Office of this event.
Persons using private drinking water supply wells located within 1/2 mile of the spill site or within the potentially affected area should use only water that has been distilled or boiled at a rolling boil for at least one minute for all personal uses including drinking, cooking, bathing, and teeth brushing. Individuals with private water wells should have their well water tested and disinfected, if necessary, prior to discontinuing distillation or boiling.
The public should avoid contact with the waste material, soil, or water in the area potentially affected by the release. If the public comes into contact with waste material, soil, or water potentially affected by the release, they should bathe and wash clothes thoroughly as soon as possible.
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