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June 21, 2000

Sewage Spill Prompts Warning in Lillian LILLIAN - A mechanical problem with a lift-station pump caused about 500 gallons of raw sewage to be discharged into Peterson Branch in Lillian, prompting an advisory warning from the Baldwin County Health Department.

The sewage spilled Monday from a manhole into the creek on Baldwin County 99, about 1.7 miles south of U.S. 98. Health Department officials said the pump has been repaired but residents should still use caution when using the creek for recreational purposes.

The department also advised residents to thoroughly cook any fish caught in the creek or nearby and to wash their hands after handling the fish.

"Human waste contains bacteria and people could get some kind of infection with that," said Teddy King, environmental supervisor.

The overflow was discovered by workers with the Baldwin County Sewer System.

Baldwin County Sewer System officials estimated that 500 gallons spilled into the waterway, but precautions should be taken through the weekend, King said, and longer if there is substantial rainfall in the meantime.

Though Peterson Branch feeds into Perdido Bay, King said the warning at this time is limited to the creek just south of the Spanish Cove neighborhood in Lillian.

MOBILE REGISTER

http://www.al.com/news/mobile/Jun2000/21-a134341a.html

-- (Dee360Degree@aol.com), June 21, 2000