San Angelo City Crews Continue Repairing Major Sewer Line Collapse

SAN ANGELO, TX – San Angelo utility crews continue to work on repairs to that sewer line collapse which allowed 100,000 gallons of sewage to spill into the Concho River. 

Monday morning City of San Angelo Communications Coordinator Lorelei Day said repairs are ongoing.

"They worked on cleaning out the existing line throughout the weekend, which will continue throughout the next few days. Material deliveries will begin today (Monday) and last through the next few days, as well." Day said. 

As we reported last week, The City was made aware of an issue in the area mid-morning last Monday. Workers tracked the issue to the 24-inch collapse and made their primary task to stop sewage flow into the river. A berm and pumping system were constructed and installed to pump the raw sewage back into the sewer system downstream of the collapse. The rain and runoff flow received last night broke the berm, causing additional sewage to flow into the river.

The collapse appears to have occurred directly under the driving lanes of the Expressway near Magdalen and 6th streets.The sewage that made its way to the Concho River discharged behind the police station. This area could be affected, which includes private drinking water wells or river pumps near the river.

The San Angelo City Council held an emergency meeting last Tuesday and approved $500,000 for any no-bid contracts to repair the sewer line collapse.  

During the emergency meeting Allison Strube, Director of Water Utilities explained to the city council that as of this time city crews had been unable to access the actual break in the line. They have been working since Monday to address the issue of the overflow into the river and finding a way to divert the sewage waste away from storm drains by the end of the day.

Officials still have not announced a timeline for completion of repairs.