Reading Dumps Sewage in Schuylkill River Again

For the second time in two weeks, Reading is dumping raw sewage into the Schuylkill River

Raw sewage is again being diverted into the Schuylkill River from a leaking sewer line in Reading.

The Reading Eagle reports a pair of new leaks appeared on the aging 42-inch main that was first repaired late last month. City workers began diverting up to 12 million gallons of raw sewage into the river on Tuesday night so repairs could begin.

When asked by a reporter with the Reading Eagle if the leaking sewage could occur again, City Public works director Charles M. Jones said “Sure, it’s a 60-year-old pipe.”

Two weeks ago a break in the same main forced the diversion of untreated sewage into the Schuylkill for about 35 hours.

Officials hope to have repairs completed Thursday night.

The Reading Eagle report says the state Department of Environmental Protection is monitoring the situation.

Philadelphia and Pottstown draw their water from the Schuylkill downstream but environmental officials say their intake plants are capable of treating the water.
 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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