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CHARLOTTE, N.C.–Haz-mat crews were busy this afternoon in Northeast Charlotte. They plan to work around the clock to clean up the Mallard Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant.
It was shutdown for several hours after utility officials discovered a “sheen” of sewage tainted with polychlorinated biphenyls or PCB’s midday on Thursday.
City officials say the sewage may have been dumped into a sewer drain behind a Food Lion about eight miles from the Wastewater Treatment Plant. CMPD is leading a task force of local and state agencies. They are using surveillance video to try and track down whoever is responsible for the illegal dumping. The suspects could face at least two felony charges. “The assumption is that it has to be some sort of tanker truck” said Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Rodney Monroe.
In the meantime, city officials say it’s safe to bathe and drink city water. “I am absolutely one hundred percent positive there is no linkage between what’s going on in the Mallard Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant and our drinking water system.”
Along Mallard Creek, it was business as usual for walkers, and runners. “We’re out here. We’re enjoying a beautiful day,” said University City Resident Bob Pettit.
But, no one wanted to test the city. No pets or people are allowed in Mallard Creek and surrounding waterways until the cleanup is complete. “After running four miles, I probably would have jumped in the creek but I’m glad I didn’t do that now.” said University City Resident Chase Nifong.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Utilities says it may never know how many gallons of PCB’s were dumped.
It does not yet know how much the cleanup will cost taxpayers.
