Rain Compounds 750K Gallon Sewage Spill Situation

BEL AIR, MD — Recent significant rainfall has exacerbated the sewage overflow situation along Bynum Run and its tributaries, prompting officials to extend the warning for people to avoid the area.

Officials have not publicly stated what caused the sewage overflow.

The sewer overflow July 29 involved the release of 750,000 gallons of raw sewage into Bynum Run in the area of Sunny View Road. The overflow was cleaned up, officials said, and the ground was limed in order to disinfect the area.

Residents now have been advised to avoid physical contact with the water in the tributary flowing into Bynum Run, which is 800 feet upstream from East Ring Factory Road, as well as all locations downstream within Bynum Run through Aug. 13.

"We will continue monitoring water quality and update the Department of Public Works and the public as appropriate," the health department stated. "Any contact with natural bodies of water contains some element of risk. The risk changes depending on water flow, weather conditions and other environmental factors."