General Statute 143.215.1C requires that the owner or operator of any wastewater collection or treatment works issue a press release when an untreated wastewater discharge of 1,000 gallons or more reaches surface waters.  

In accordance with the regulation, the following news release has been prepared and issued to media in the affected county:

Roanoke Rapids Sanitary District had one wastewater spill on Friday, June 6, 2025 into the early morning hours of Saturday, June 7, 2025 due to an obstruction in the sewer line resulting in a blockage and spill. During this instance, 11,250 gallons are estimated to have spilled from the wastewater collection system from Manhole PI-8, located near Baird Street in Gaston, NC. An estimated total of 11,250 gallons of untreated wastewater, due to a sewer line blockage, spilled into the waters of the state tributary to the Roanoke River in the Roanoke River Basin.  Preparations are being made for all known repairs necessary to return the sewer line to service and eliminate further discharge.

The Division of Water Resources was notified of the events on June 7, 2025 and is reviewing the matter. For more information contact Roanoke Rapids Sanitary District at (252) 537-9137.