Sewage spill leaks into Vernon River, fishing and swimming banned 'until further notice'

Savannah Morning News

The Chatham County Board of Commissioners is advising residents not to fish or swim in the Vernon River after a sewage spill on Sallie Mood Drive.

Chatham County discovered a leak on a sewer main located on Sallie Mood Drive around 1 p.m. on Saturday. Chatham County spokeswoman Catherine Glasby said the sewer main is part of the Chatham County wastewater collection system.

Glasby said the leak allowed untreated wastewater into the drainage ditch on East side of Sallie Mood Drive. This ditch ultimately drains into the canal which borders the Mayfair neighborhood, crosses Montgomery Crossroads, and empties to the Vernon River.

Glasby said assessment and repairs began immediately and concluded by 10 p.m. that night.

“To comply with normal protocols and from an abundance of caution, sewer system operators provide public notification in the event of any spill that is not contained on-site. Chatham County advises residents to avoid any swimming or fishing in the canal or river until further notice,” Glasby said in a press release.

Chatham County will conduct laboratory tests and provide updates regarding water quality in the following week, but expects minimal impact to the creeks and rivers.

The spill has been reported to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division and to the Chatham County Health Department, who Glasby said “will guide and assist going forward.”