The Town of Columbus Public Works Department discovered approximately 900 gallons of untreated wastewater discharged into an unnamed tributary that flows into White Oak Creek on at 7 a.m. July 24.

The location of this discharge was near 355 Levi Road. The public works crew found the wastewater treatment plant suffering a breach of treated sludge overflowing into the stream.

The reason of the breach is unknown at this time. The crew dug a containment ditch and installed a straw berm that stopped sludge flow by 11:30 a.m.

The cause of this issue is unknown at this time, but the public works crew has taken all necessary steps to prevent continued flow. The incident is under further investigation to determine the cause and make any additional corrections to equipment.

The division of water resources was notified immediately when the discharge was discovered and again when the problem was resolved.

For more information, people may call 828-894-8236.

-Submitted article