Wastewater Spill Sends 5.8 Million Gallons into Major Durham River

DURHAM, N.C. — A major wastewater spill occurred in Durham after floodwaters damaged a sewage lift station, releasing an estimated 5.8 million gallons of wastewater into the Eno River, city officials announced Tuesday.

The spill began early Monday morning around 5 a.m., according to the City of Durham’s Water Management Department. However, due to flooding from Tropical Depression Chantal, crews were unable to safely access the Eno Creek Lift Station to assess the situation until Tuesday afternoon.

The lift station at the Eno River, which plays a critical role in transporting sewage, sustained flooding-related damage that led to the large-scale discharge. As a precaution, the city is urging residents to avoid contact with any flowing or standing water downstream from the station, warning that the water may be contaminated.

The City of Durham has reported the incident to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources, as required by environmental regulations.

Repair crews are currently working to restore operations at the lift station. Officials expect the station to be brought back into service later Tuesday evening, either through emergency pump installation or full system restoration.