---

LINCOLNTON, N.C. - On Thursday, April 4, 2024, at approximately 7:30 a.m., the City of Lincolnton received a call about a sewer odor near South Generals Boulevard and Arbor Run Drive. City of Lincolnton crews were on site quickly to check the area and found a manhole overflowing 400 feet north of the intersection on S. Generals Blvd. near Lithia Inn Branch. Approximately 7,500 gallons of raw untreated wastewater spilled into the Lithia Inn Branch, which eventually runs into the South Fork River.

The Lincolnton Distribution & Collection team jetted and cleaned the line, and the necessary repairs were completed by 9 a.m. on Thursday, April 4, 2024.

The NC Department of Environmental Quality Mooresville Regional Office was notified at 11:01 a.m. that the problem has been resolved.

The blockage was caused by grease and wipes in the sewer lines. Residents are reminded that grease and wipes (even wipes labelled as “flushable”) should NOT be disposed of in wastewater sewer lines. Please dispose of grease and wipes in the trash; only flush toilet paper.

This does not affect the drinking water and no fish were killed.

This release has been prepared in accordance with NC General Statute 143-215.iC which requires that the owner or operator of any wastewater collection or treatment works to issue a press release when an untreated wastewater discharge of 1,000 gallons or more reaches surface waters. The NC Division of Water Resources has been notified of the City of Lincolnton’s findings.

---

---