Blue Earth Public Works Director Jamie Holland says the city’s sewer systems were overwhelmed by heavy rainfall on August 7th, resulting in flooding, sanitary sewer backups and more than 1.1 million gallons of sewage bypasses.
The city recorded 4.42 inches of rain in just three and a half hours, with some areas receiving up to six inches. That came on top of more than five inches of rain during the previous eight days.
Wastewater flows at the treatment plant jumped from about 600 gallons per minute to more than 8,000 gallons per minute. Holland says the city had to bypass sewage at two locations, with the bypasses reported to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. The bypasses ended by Saturday morning, with a total of about 1.16 million gallons recorded.
Significant street flooding also occurred, including along South Main Street and Highway 169.
Holland says the city is also dealing with a storm water lift station pump that has been out for rebuilding. The pump’s return has been repeatedly delayed and the city may ultimately have to replace the nearly 60 year old pump.
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