The Gainesville Department of Water Resources has stopped a sewer overflow into Valley Creek, a tributary of Lake Lanier.
According to Gainesville city officials, the cove has been inspected and tested — all lake water quality parameters were normal, meaning there is no public or environmental health hazard.
The spill occurred upstream of the cove east of Crepe Myrtle Lane and Valley Road, near the city’s Riverside Water Treatment Plant. The small stream between the spill and the lake has also been inspected and treated to reduce nuisance impacts for the two surrounding property owners. Signs have been posted at the location of the spill and at the cove.
“We wanted to let the public know as soon as possible about this spill," Gainesville Water Resources Director Linda MacGregor said. "However, the department has no indication at this time that the incident caused any public or environmental health hazards.”
The overflow has been estimated to be greater than 10,000 gallons, which is classified by the state as a major spill. Since the discovery of the spill, the blockage in the sewer line has been removed and no further problems are anticipated.
The Gainesville Department of Water Resources will continue to test the affected waterways for the next 12 months, as required by the state, to ensure water quality.
