Mahtomedi Wastewater Spill

Water quality tests show that one the of the two impacted stormwater ponds in Mahtomedi has returned within acceptable levels for public contact with the water. The northern pond continues to show elevated levels of bacteria. Signs and caution tape will remain in place, as long as the public should avoid the spill site. Met Council will continue evaluating the impacted area until it no longer poses a risk to the public.

Met Council Environmental Services has ordered components to repair the faulty equipment that caused the spill. Once they are delivered, crews will make the repairs. Sewer service will not be interrupted during repairs.

The updated estimated volume of wastewater to reach the stormwater system and soil is 2,650 gallons. 

The Met Council has reviewed the spill site for potential health and environmental concerns. Water quality tests show that two impacted stormwater ponds had elevated levels of bacteria. The bacteria are an indicator of temporary elevated levels of other pathogens present at the site. Signs and caution tape will remain in place, as long as the public should avoid the spill site. We will continue evaluating the impacted area to assess when potential risk to the public from the spill are gone.

The updated estimated volume of wastewater to reach the stormwater system and soil is 2,650 gallons. Crews stopped the spill 45 minutes after being notified of the issue and vacuumed the spill site. Sewer service was not interrupted.

The Metropolitan Council, operator of the regional wastewater collection and treatment system, responded Wednesday morning, September 13, to an air relief valve malfunction and resulting wastewater spill at the intersection of Dunbar Way and Lincolntown Avenue in Mahtomedi.

Crews from the Metropolitan Council’s Environmental Services division were able to stop the spill 45 minutes after being notified of the issue. Flow was redirected to a redundant pipe and crews were able to begin cleanup efforts and repairs to the faulty equipment. Water quality crews are preparing to test surface water in the two stormwater ponds. Signage will warn the public “Do Not Enter/ Sewage Spill” around affected areas.

An early estimate of 1,500 gallons of wastewater was released from the pipe. Much of it was contained and staff are working to assess the volume that made its way into the storm drain and the two storm water ponds encompassed by Dunbar Way, Lincolntown Avenue, Kilbirnie Way, and Berwick Lane.