News Summary
Savannah city crews are addressing four sewage spills that occurred due to heavy rainfall overwhelming the city’s sewer system. A total of approximately 11,520 gallons of sewage mixed with stormwater were released in August, with the largest spill occurring on August 2. City officials are investigating how stormwater infiltrated the sewer system to prevent future incidents while ensuring public health and environmental safety.
Savannah city crews have responded to four separate sewage spills this August, which were caused by prolonged heavy rainfall that overwhelmed the city’s sanitary sewer system. The incidents released a total of approximately 11,520 gallons of sewage, all of which was mixed with stormwater runoff. City officials are now investigating how stormwater infiltrated the sewer system to prevent future occurrences.
The largest spill occurred on August 2 at a location on Arlington Road, where over 7,000 gallons of sewage spilled. Two smaller spills were reported the following week on August 10 on Stillwood Drive, involving approximately 1,260 gallons at one address and about 1,000 gallons at another. Additionally, on August 11, a fourth spill took place on Penn Waller Road, discharging around 2,000 gallons of sewage.
Under Georgia state guidelines, spills involving less than 10,000 gallons are classified as minor, and all four spills were designated as such by the state Environmental Protection Division. In total, the city of Savannah dealt with spills that qualified under this classification, effectively managing the incidents without significant environmental repercussions.
During heavy rainfall, the stormwater entered the sewer system, exceeding its designed capacity and leading to these spills. Warning signs have been posted in the affected areas to alert the public. Furthermore, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division and local health departments have been notified of the incidents to ensure proper oversight and response.
City officials are currently focused on investigating the methods by which stormwater is infiltrating the sanitary sewer system. Identifying and resolving these issues is critical to preventing similar spills in the future. This ongoing investigation signifies the city’s commitment to maintaining public health and environmental safety.
Significantly, the city of Savannah did not report a separate incident involving 24,000 gallons of sewage and stormwater that spilled into Horsepen Creek on Tybee Island. This incident is not included in the total count of the four sewage spills reported for August.
The city continues to monitor and analyze its sewer infrastructure to improve resilience against such extreme weather events. The heavy rain experienced in August has exacerbated existing vulnerabilities, prompting officials to consider additional measures and enhancements in the sewer system to better cope with similar weather-related challenges in the future.
As Savannah navigates these environmental challenges, the city remains dedicated to safeguarding public health while ensuring that proper protocols are in place for efficient incident management should similar situations arise again.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WTOC: Heavy Rains Cause Sewage Spills in Savannah
- Wikipedia: Sewage
- WJCL: City Responds to Sewage Spill
- Google Search: Sewage Spill Savannah
- Savannah Now: Rainwater and Sewer Flow Incident
- Google Scholar: Sewage Spill Environmental Impact
- WSAV: City of Savannah Responds to Large Sewage Spill
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sewage Management
- WTOC: Biowaste Spill Confirmed on Little Neck Road
- Google News: Sewage Spill Tybee Island
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
