Raw sewage spills into Neal Branch Creek

About 3,750 gallons of raw sewage spilled into Neal Branch Creek in southwest Charlotte on Thursday, Charlotte Water officials said.

The spill happened near the 12400 block of Means Court, off Steele Creek Road. The creek is in the Catawba River watershed.

A blockage caused the spill, officials said.

“A majority of sanitary sewer overflows can be prevented with your help,” Charlotte Water spokesman Cam Coley said in a news release announcing the spill. “Anything put in plumbing or a manhole can cause sanitary sewer overflows, spilling raw sewage into your street, your creek or even inside your own home.

“Even products labeled as ‘flushable’ do not break down in the sewer system and can contribute to clogging,” Coley said.

Joe Marusak

This story was originally published October 16, 2015 at 8:06 AM with the headline "Raw sewage spills into Neal Branch Creek."