Merryman Lane Sewage Spill

City of Annapolis Utilities Report - August 25, 2023 Sewage Spill

11:30 - 8/24 (Thursday)

DPW crews responded to a clogged line with overflow. A mophead was discovered and cleared.

11:31 am Aug 25, 2023

Annapolis Department of Public Works (DPW) utilities crews are working an active sewer overflow off of Merryman Lane in Annapolis. Both Maryland Department of Environment (MDE) and Anne Arundel County Department of Health have been notified. Lime has been flushed into the ravine to mitigate the overflow and may be seen as cloudy water in Spa Creek. It is not known if the cloudy water will be present below Spa Road.

Update 1

5:43 pm (Friday) - Utilities cleared the blockage. MDE has been here and requested more lime be applied. Signs are posted.

Update 2

6:14 pm (Friday) - Now that they have the line open, they have found a crack in the pipe. Utilities is setting up a pump bypass until they can get the pipe repaired.

Update 3

11:09 am (Saturday/Aug 26) - Morning report is that the sanitary sewer has reclogged. Crews are working to reopen the line. If the clog does not clear, they will bring in more pipe to extend the bypass.

Update 4

3:49 p.m. Sunday - DPW crew checked the pump for the bypass on the sewer line at Heritage Court as well as the manholes downstream. All manholes are clear and the line flow is good. Looks like everything is ready for Monday's repair to the line.

Update 5

4:29 p.m. Monday - Repair to the broken pipe is complete. Testing indicates that proper flow to the line has been restored. Initial damage reports indicate that the cause of the break was erosion in the area, putting stress on the pipe. With the pipe repaired, work to restore and stabilize the soil will continue over the next 6 to 12 months.

Please check back to DPW for updates. A final link to the MDE report will be posted when submitted to the state.

Update 5

4:29 p.m. Monday - Repair to the broken pipe is complete. Testing indicates that proper flow to the line has been restored. Initial damage reports indicate that the cause of the break was erosion in the area, putting stress on the pipe. With the pipe repaired, work to restore and stabilize the soil will continue over the next 6 to 12 months.

Please check back to DPW for updates. A final link to the MDE report will be posted when submitted to the state.

Please note: There should be no swimming or wading in waters near the spill site for 72 hours. If you come into contact with the spill waters, you should wash the area thoroughly with soap and water. If the contacted area has any open wounds or sores, you should seek advice from your healthcare provider.

Also, elevated bacteria levels have been detected in Spa Creek.