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Heavy rains that struck on Tuesday morning were apparently the primary reason for an overflow of partially-treated sewage at Sheboygan’s Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant. A release from the City said that the more-than 5 inches of rain the preceding three days – including 2 inches in the two hours before the overflow, caused the situation which occurred at three plant locations beginning at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday. The release said that, combined with ongoing construction there, the load exceeded the plant’s physical capacity. The facility staff immediately notified the DNR, City Administration and the Mayor’s Office, and finally the City Attorney’s Office and Common Council were notified in order to ensure a coordinated response.
While most of the overflow stayed on the plant grounds, some reached Lake Michigan and the southeast corner of Lakeview Park, causing a precautionary closure of the area until crews completed cleanup on Wednesday morning.
While rain can’t be controlled, the City urges residents to avoid flushing wipes, diapers, rags and hygiene products, and to ensure sump pumps discharge onto the ground or into storm sewers instead of sanitary pipes…measures that can significantly reduce the risk of future overflows and backups.
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