Norwich

Someone Is Illegally Dumping Raw Sewage Into Norwich Wastewater System: NPU

Norwich Public Utilities

Norwich Public Utilities is looking for help to find whoever has been illegally dumping raw sewage into the city's wastewater system.

In a Facebook post, the agency said someone has dumped a large amount of raw sewage through a storm drain or manhole over the past two weeks.

Based on some data, NPU believes the illegal dumping happened in the Laurel Hill section of Norwich.

"Two weeks ago, two Mondays ago we noticed it on two consecutive mornings so it's clearly a pattern, and the volume that we're looking at is thousands of gallons clearly indicates someone is doing this intentionally and illegally," NPU spokesperson Christ Riley explained.

Wastewater is normally diluted by discharges from washing machines, dishwashers, and stormwater and the untreated sewage can damage equipment, according to NPU. The raw sewage is also a public health concern.

"Raw sewage is incredibly dangerous and coming in contact with it you run the risk of getting sick, very sick," Riley said.

The illegal dumping can impact also costs for the agency and that would affect rates for customers, the Facebook post said.

Anyone who sees a wastewater tanker discharging into a storm drain or manhole should call NPU at (860) 887-2555. NPU said a reward will be offered to the person who provides information that leads to the identification and/or arrest of those responsible for the illegal dumping.

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