On Feb. 28, 2020, approximately 1000 total gallons of partially treated wastewater were discharged at the UNC Bingham Facility off Orange Chapel Clover Garden Road in Orange County. Discharge from an irrigation pressure main located on the north side of the property was observed entering a tributary of Collins Creek.
The break in the pressure main, resulting in a leak of the partially treated wastewater, was discovered and contained at about 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 28.
There are no immediately visible adverse environmental impacts or hazards to persons or property. Given the fact that the wastewater is partially treated, and based on recent tests of the source of the wastewater, no negative impacts to water quality are expected as a result of this discharge.
The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Resources was notified of the event on Feb. 28, 2020, as required by state regulations and law. For more information, contact Larry Daw, UNC Department of Environment, Health and Safety.