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Smelly situation

Clogged sewer main causes raw sewage to overflow onto street on north side of Sidney

A flood of raw sewage gushed from a sewer main onto a portion of gravel roadway on 18th Avenue near Elm Street on the north side of Sidney on Wednesday afternoon, causing a stir among nearby residents.

Sidney's Public Services Director John Hehnke said sewage and toilet paper flooded onto the street in the residential neighborhood.

"There was an unknown blockage in the sewer main and we're still trying to find out what blocked the main, but we were able to clear it," Hehnke said.

With heavy duty equipment, the city was able to clear the blockage in the sewer line, begin cleaning the street and digging up the old road.

Concerned resident Monty Worster said that the city is aware of the aging sewer mains and that every four to six months, city workers come to his street to flush the main because of clogging problems. Worster also explained his concerns about the health risks of these accidents being in a residential area where children play.

"I'm upset that the matter wasn't taken care of faster," Worster said. "The city's job is make sure things are safe and improved. I have been dealing with these sewage issues and clogs for 15 years in that neighborhood and there is no reason the residents should have to smell the raw sewage, walk or drive through it.

"I'm most upset that the city employees willingly and knowingly let the raw sewage flow down the street along with a large volume of water," he added.

It occurred about a block west of North Elementary School.

Hehnke said they are putting new soil and gravel down to repair the road today.

 

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