MSD Project Clear Responds to Force Main Break in Maryland Heights

MSDProject Clear (MSDPC) is responding to a force main break in Maryland Heights. The break was discovered late Wednesday morning near Creve Coeur Mill Road and Highway 141. MSDPC crews have isolated the break and contained the overflow to a small, wooded area.

Once storms pass through and working conditions are safe, MSDPC will use vacuum trucks and pumps to get any remaining wastewater back into the system. That process is expected to take a couple of days. Sewer service will not be affected, and repairs will be done once the cleanup is complete.

Warning signs have been posted in the area, advising the public of the overflow. While there is no immediate threat to public health or safety, everyone should avoid wastewater. Anyone who comes in direct physical contact with wastewater should immediately and thoroughly wash with soap and water.

A force main is a sewer line that uses pumps to transport wastewater. Pumps and force mains are necessary when gravity alone is not enough to move wastewater through flat areas or over hills to a wastewater treatment plant.

MSDPC has reported the incident to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.