11:51: Update from NY Alert: Completed.
According to the updated alert:
- Pipe was blocked with wipes and grease build up.
- Steps taken to contain discharge: getting vac truck to clear out manhole in order to clear blockage.
11:05 a.m.: NY Alert issued a sewage leak warning for the Town of Hague and for Lake George itself at 9 a.m. Officials at the town are working and say the problem deals with the collection system in the town's sewage system and that they are working to figure out the problem. Officials were on scene and had no time for reporters.
The official notification from NY Alert says the untreated waste discharge took place at 9099 Lake Shore Dr. in Hague and that Lake George is affected, but details on the size, type and impact are scant at this time. That address places the leak just north of the town beach.
The discharge is 20 gallons per minute, approximately, the alert says.
The NY Alert says thus far the activity has been to get the "vac truck to clear out manhole in order to clear blockage."
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Warren County says it is not their infrastructure and pointed us toward the Lake George Park Commission. At this point, the LGPC had not known of the leak.
According to NY Alert, more information on the Sewage Pollution Right to Know Act can be found here: SPRTK.
"The 2013 Sewage Pollution Right to Know (SPRTK) requires untreated and partially treated sewage discharges to be reported by publicly owned treatment works (POTWs) and publicly owned sewer systems (POSSs) within two hours of discovery to DEC and within four hours of discovery to the public and adjoining municipalities," the website says.
More from the website:
NYAlert is the notification tool for municipalities to let the DEC, the New York State Department of Health (DOH) and the public know that a discharge has recently occurred. DEC and DOH determine what to do about discharges after consulting with the municipality.
There are many ways you can help reduce sewage pollution from entering our waterbodies. Reducing water use and keeping everything but sanitary waste out of pipes reduces sewer backups and overflows and saves money in the long run.
Conserving water can help reduce pollution of our waterbodies. More water used in our homes means more water treated at wastewater treatment facilities. Taking the following actions may help reduce the volume of water requiring treatment and decrease the potential for sewage overflows during storms:
- Shut off faucets when not in use
- Repair leaking faucets or pipes
- Take shorter showers
- Install low flow devices on faucets and showerheads and install low flow/dual flush toilets
- Replace older dishwashers and washing machines with newer, more energy efficient and water conserving models
- Use rainwater to water your gardens by installing rain barrels