EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 A major wastewater spill in Northeast El Paso has been contained after an estimated 950,000 gallons leaked from a broken 30-inch line along the 10600 block of Railroad Drive.<\/p>\n
According to El Paso Water, the spill was first reported on Monday at about 6:30 a.m., and crews have been working to drain the wastewater line so they can assess the break and begin repairs. <\/p>\n
However, the utility said the cause of the break remains under investigation.<\/p>\n
While most of the wastewater was contained in an undeveloped area that is not accessible to the public, EPWater said cleanup and disinfection efforts have begun along the shoulder of the northbound lanes of Railroad Drive between S. Angora Loop Avenue and Oates Drive.<\/p>\n
According to the utility, water and wastewater services are not impacted, and the public drinking water supply is not at risk.<\/p>\n
\u201cPublic safety is our priority, and our team took the appropriate measures to immediately clear the area of any standing wastewater,\u201d said Gilbert Trejo, EPWater vice president of operations and technical services.<\/p>\n
EPWater reported the incident to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and said it will continue working with the agency to assess any environmental impacts and determine appropriate remediation actions.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality said that although the public water supply was not affected, EPWater customers or people who purchase water from another public water supply may contact their water supply distributor to determine if the water is safe for personal use.<\/p>\n
People using private drinking water supply wells located within a half-mile of the spill site or within the potentially affected area should use only water that has been distilled or boiled at a rolling boil for at least one minute for all personal uses, including drinking, cooking, bathing and tooth brushing, the agency said. Individuals with private water wells should have their well water tested and disinfected, if necessary, before discontinuing distillation or boiling.<\/p>\n
The public should avoid contact with wastewater or soil in the area affected by the discharge, according to the agency. If contact is made, it is advised to bathe and wash clothes thoroughly as soon as possible.<\/p>\n
Customers with questions about the wastewater spill can contact Martin Noriega, utility chief operations officer, at 915-621-2085.<\/p>\n
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