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DOWAGIAC — A sanitary sewer overflow occurred from 7:15 a.m. to approximately 9:15 a.m. Sunday, April 28 in Dowagiac.

According to Director of Public Services Benjamin Eldridge, staff at the Dowagiac Wastewater Treatment Plant responded to a high water level alarm that Began at 7:15 a.m. and lasted for approximately two hours. It is currently estimated that 170,000 gallons of combined storm water and wastewater were discharged into the creek adjacent to the wastewater treatment plant, however the final estimated discharge is still under review.

It was determined that the overflow was due to a faulted electronic component. Back-up diesel power pumps were installed in the treatment process and the overflow has been stopped. State officials from EGLE and the Cass County Health Department were notified immediately. City staff are continuing to test the receiving waters as directed by the County Health Department to determine if the overflow had any impact on the water quality.