BESSEMER CITY, NC – General Statute 143.215.1C(b)(1) requires the owner or operator of any wastewater collection treatment system to issue a press release when an untreated wastewater discharge of 1,000 gallons or more reaches surface waters. Per that regulation, the following news release has been prepared and issued to media in the affected County:
The City of Bessemer City was notified of a sewer overflow on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at 11:00 am near 905 W. Georgia Ave. This overflow stopped around 8:00 pm. The City estimates that 16,200 gallons of untreated sewer and stormwater discharged into an unnamed creek that flows to Abernathy Creek, which flows into the Catawba River Basin. The City has determined that the overflow occurred due to excessive stormwater entering the sewer system because of Tuesday’s weather.
Bessemer City received over four inches of rain on Tuesday, which caused localized flooding throughout the region. Bessemer City is exploring methods to prevent this overflow from occurring again during high rainfall. The City is also implementing a new sewer pump station plan to alleviate flow pressure on this line and improve the sewer system.
The Division of Water Resources was notified of the event on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, and is reviewing the matter.
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