EL PASO – A contractor working on improvements at the Haskell R. Street Wastewater Plant had problems with bypass pumping that feeds partially treated wastewater into the plant on Wednesday, March 25 at approximately 7 p.m. This event resulted in a significant leak, causing an estimated 200,000 gallons of partially-treated wastewater to spill onto the plant at 4100 Delta Drive and a small portion of Boone Street. No storm drains, waterways or public drinking water supplies were impacted or are at risk as a result of the spill.*
Crews have already cleaned up the wastewater that spilled onto Boone Street and completed disinfection. They are still working to clean up small amounts at the Haskell Plant and pump it back into the facility for full treatment. Wastewater service is not affected, but nearby residents may experience increased plant odors. These odors do not pose a public health concern.
El Paso Water notified the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) about the incident and this public notification is part of the requirements. If the public has questions on the spill, they may contact David Ornelas, Wastewater Systems Division Manager at El Paso Water at 915-594-5730.
Members of the media should use the media contact listed above.
*Persons using private drinking water supply wells located within 1/2-mile of the spill site or within the potentially affected area should use only water that has been distilled or boiled at a rolling boil for at least one minute for all personal uses including drinking, cooking, bathing and tooth brushing. Individuals with private water wells should have their well water tested and disinfected, if necessary, prior to discontinuing distillation or boiling.
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