Columbus Water Works reports second sewage spill

COLUMBUS, Ga. - A sewage spill Monday that dumped 4,200 gallons of raw sewage into a small creek was the second spill in two months reported by the Columbus Water Works. <br> <br> Utility president Billy Turner said clothing in the main sewer line caused a clog, so the line overflowed at a manhole. The sewage may have ended up in a creek that eventually feeds the Chattahoochee River, he said. <br> <br> Last month, a lightning strike temporarily shut off power to a pump station, causing more than 27,000 gallons of raw sewage to spill into the Chattahoochee River. <br> <br> The utility reported both spills within hours to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, officials said. <br> <br> Jeff Larson, manager of Georgia EPD&#39;s water compliance and enforcement program, said any raw sewage spill of more than 10,000 gallons is classified as ``major&#39;&#39; in Georgia. <br> <br> Turner said the reasons for both incidents are rare. <br> <br> ``We certainly discourage people from putting clothing or anything like that down the sewer,&#39;&#39; he said. <br> <br> Turner said the Water Works will need federal funds in the next few years to begin repairs on an old and highly used system. <br> <br>