Press Release

DISLODGED MANHOLE COVERS CAUSE OVERFLOW IN TRINITY RIVER AUTHORITY WASTEWATER COLLECTION SYSTEM

(ARLINGTON, TEXAS) – Two Trinity River Authority wastewater collection system manhole covers, located in a junction box, dislodged causing a wastewater overflow within its Central Regional Wastewater System. The overflow was reported by TRA at 9 a.m. Monday, Nov. 30, 2015, for two manholes located at the 3000 block of Proctor Road in Dallas, Texas.

The overflow of wastewater spilled onto the flood plain of the Elm Fork of the Trinity River. Several days of heavy rains (6 to 7 inches) throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth area contributed to the heavy flow in the pipeline and heavily diluted the spill.

Collection system crews immediately worked to gain access to the heavily flooded site and resecure the manhole covers to stop the overflow.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality requires that all wastewater overflows in excess of 100,000 gallons be reported to TCEQ, the public and other designated public officials. The final estimated quantity of the overflow will be reported to TCEQ.

No public drinking water supplies were threatened or contaminated by this overflow. TRA has notified all required city, county and state officials.

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
Chapter 319 – General Regulations Incorporated Into Permits
Rule Log No. 99031-319-WT
Figure: 30 TAC §319.303

NOTICE OF SPILL FROM A WASTEWATER FACILITY
A spill from a wastewater treatment or collection facility has occurred.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPILL
Facility Name: Trinity River Authority’s Central Regional Wastewater System   
Contact for further information: Vanassa Joseph (817) 493-5122
Location of the spill: 3000 block of Proctor Road in Dallas, Texas
Estimated time and date of spill: The overflow was reported at 9 a.m., Monday, Nov. 30, 2015, and ended at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015.
Estimated volume of the spill (number of gallons):  >100,000 gallons
Type of spill: (domestic) (industrial) (other) Explain other:  Heavily diluted with stormwater              
Area potentially affected: The Elm Fork of the Trinity River’s flood plain.
Suspected cause of spill: Dislodged manhole covers.

THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS HAVE BEEN TAKEN:

  • Appropriate local governmental officials have been notified.                     
  • TCEQ regional office has been notified.
  • The spill has been contained.
  • Increased monitoring of water supply systems has been initiated.
  • The cause of the spill has been corrected.
  • Clean-up activities are underway/completed.