FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Runnemede, NJ – August 28, 2014 – Sewer Discharge Runnemede Public Wastewater Collection System – Orchard Avenue Pump Station E
On Sunday August 24, 2014, Runnemede Sewer Pump Station E failed causing a discharge of wastewater from two manholes into the wooded area nearby.
The Runnemede Sewer Department responded to the Orchard Avenue Pump Station and restored operations at approximately 6:00 pm Sunday evening after a member of the public, walking through the woods, reported the incident to a Sewer Department Supervisor.
On Monday August 25, 2014, representatives from the Borough of Runnemede, NJ Department of Environmental Protection, and County Department of Health visited the site and verified that the remediation actions taken by Runnemede Sewer Department have alleviated any potential hazard to the public.
NJ Department of Environmental Protection has estimated that approximately 300,000 gallons of wastewater discharged from two manholes associated with the pumping station, which are in close proximity to a tributary stream to Hirsh Lake. As a result, NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife has been monitoring both the tributary stream and Hirsh Lake this week.
It has been determined that the pump failure was caused by an excessive buildup of grease in the stations wet well and that the high water level alarm failed to operate causing a delayed response.
The Borough is reviewing operational procedures related to this incident and will implement corrective action to prevent a reoccurrence of this nature.