ROSEMOUNT, MINNESOTA — KSTP News out of Minnesota is reporting that spring flooding due to rain and snowmelt is creating major problems for homeowners with onsite septic systems throughout the state.
In one residence profiled by KSTP, rapidly melting snow had turned Sandi Rahn’s front yard into a lake that eventually covered the lid of her septic tank. After the tank flooded, water started filling the basement in her home.
Meanwhile, Chris Wagner of Meyer Sewer Service says it has been the busiest winter season the company has experienced in 42 years of operation. The company pumped Rahn’s basement out, but she ended up removing all the carpet and several feet of drywall.
Similar problems are taking place throughout the Midwest, where early spring flooding has been the worst. The National Ground Water Association estimates that more than 300 counties in the Midwest have wells potentially impacted by late winter flooding. While the exact number of wells affected by contaminated floodwater isn’t available, Census Bureau data show over 1 million wells in these counties.
CHEROKEE COUNTY, GEORGIA — Last month, a septic truck spill in Georgia lost its load in multiple locations along a highway, leaving large brown streaks along the road.
The road was closed while hazmat crews worked to clear the waste. The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office took some photos of the mishap and posted them to Twitter:
East Cherokee Dr. between Ball Ground Hwy. and Cumming Hwy. is closed. A septic truck has lost it load in multiple locations on East Cherokee Dr. Please avoid the area while Haz - Mat and cleanup crews respond to remove the waste from the roadway. pic.twitter.com/0N2XdSCmxy
— Cherokee Sheriff’s Office (@CherokeeSO) March 7, 2019
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA — A traffic jam in Charlotte earlier this month was so bound up that the North Carolina Department of Transportation brought in portable restrooms for commuters, reports The Charlotte Observer.
The proverbial logjam began when a grocery-laden semitruck swerved to avoid a stopped vehicle and overturned. Northbound lanes on Interstate 85 near Charlotte were closed for nine hours while the scene was cleared. Some stuck drivers chose to abandon their vehicles rather than wait it out.
Meanwhile, it’s still unknown how the portable restrooms were transported to the scene.
FARMINGTON, NEW MEXICO — An interesting septic truck design was making its way around social media circles in recent weeks. The truck — from Dr. Pumper Septic Services — features a familiar looking paint job that may or may not remind you of a certain carbonated soft drink.
Take a look at an image of the truck here.
