News Article

Archived News Release: May 3, 2023 - ​At approximately 11:45 a.m. Tuesday, May 2, 2023, city staff was notified of sewage coming out of a manhole near the entrance to the University of Michigan Arboretum on Washington Heights. Public works staff immediately investigated and found a blockage in the sewer pipe, which turned out to be gravel and dirt from a collapsed sewer pipe. The overflow caused an estimated 200 gallons of sewage to overflow onto the ground, which then flowed down a gravel pathway toward the Arboretum. No sewage reached any storm drain or waterway. Due to the quick action of public works staff, the blockage was removed, and the pipe was repaired immediately.   

The affected pathway was cleaned and treated with a powdered lime to neutralize and accelerate the decomposition of any remaining sewage.

In accordance with regulatory protocols, City of Ann Arbor staff contacted the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) to inform them of this incident. ​

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