Valve Failure blamed for Sewage Leak

The failure of a new piece of equipment is traced to a sewage leak this week between Seneca and Clemson. According to Bob Winchester, executive director of the Joint Regional Sewer Authority, the failure of an air relief valve at a pump station on Wells Highway behind Blue Ridge Orthopedics caused a sewer spill of an estimated 10,000 gallons. Within an hour of being notified, Winchester said, crews were able to restore the pump station to working order and applied lime to where the spill occurred. It is believed the air relief valve was less than one year old. Winchester said a valve of higher quality would replace it. The Joint Regional Sewer Authority executive director said the spill was reported to state health authorities as well.