Sioux Falls, S.D. (KELO AM) - Yesterday, an unintentional release of treated biosolids to the Big Sioux River occurred at the Water Reclamation Facility located at 4500 North Sycamore Avenue. The release was due to a ruptured bag during a contractor’s dewatering process. City officials estimate approximately 9,000 gallons of treated biosolids were discharged to the river before the spill was contained.
Preliminary lab analysis indicates the impact to the Big Sioux River is minimal. As a result of the initial lab analysis, no impacts to public health or wildlife are anticipated as a result of this spill. Public Works will continue to monitor the river with additional results available later in the week.
“While the amount of wastewater released into the river is fairly minimal, we take these types of incidents very seriously,” says Mark Perry, Wastewater Superintendent. “We will continue to monitor the river to ensure public and wildlife safety.”
The Public Works Department has notified the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources of the spill and forwarded the contractor’s plans for cleanup. The contractor, Veit of Rogers, Minnesota, will continue to clean up the spill area, and this cleanup is expected to take several days. The spill occurred in a remote area of the Water Reclamation Facility, and no contact with the public is anticipated during the cleanup process.