Water officials at the El Dorado County Irrigation District are awaiting test results from the waters of Folsom Lake after a pipeline break in a nearby residential neighborhood sent raw sewage into the reservoir.
The sewage entered Folsom Lake at the Browns Ravine access point off Green Valley Road. This area is home to Folsom Lake Marina and is a popular location for recreational activities, as well as one of the lake’s main access points for boaters.
The leak reportedly began around 9:30 p.m. Sunday from an aging sewage line along Green Valley Road, west of Francisco Drive, according to Jesse Saich of the El Dorado Irrigation District.
The break sent sewage flowing through the street and drainage gutters of nearby Rolling Hills Estates Sunday night, eventually reaching Browns Ravine, which is downhill from the El Dorado Hills community. Benz Hunter who lives in the area captured video (below) of the flowing sewage that reportedly flowed through his neighborhood for more than two hours.
According to information shared by Saich, and statements from the district, crews responded within 30 minutes on Sunday to assess the necessary repairs and began pumping and removing the leaked sewage. The line was reportedly repaired by noon on Monday, but it remains in poor condition and is scheduled for full replacement in the future.
“Upon receiving notification, EID crews were immediately dispatched to the site, arriving within 30 minutes. Rapid containment efforts were initiated, including the deployment of pumper trucks to maintain sewer service for customers in the affected area while repairs were undertaken,” said the El Doesdo Irrigation District in a lm official statement on Tuesday. “The sewer force main was strategically isolated from operation and was completely dewatered to repair the leak by approximately 12:30 a.m., September 23”
Officials had not issued a formal warning to residents or lakegoers as of Tuesday morning, aside from signs in some areas of Browns Ravine warning people to avoid contact due to possible raw sewage. EID later explained they had notified all appropriate agencies “promptly,” when the leak occurred.
“EID promptly notified all relevant agencies, including the El Dorado County Environmental Health Division and the Regional Water Quality Control Board, through the standard protocol of notifying Cal OES. The District is also coordinating with the Bureau of Reclamation who operates Folsom Reservoir as well as State Parks who operates the surrounding recreational facilities to ensure that all necessary parties are informed and involved in the ongoing response and recovery efforts,” said the statement from EID. “EID staff is closely coordinating with our partner agencies to protect public health and ensure water quality.”
Saich also explained to the media via Zoom that only the water in Browns Ravine has undergone testing, and that testing continues in that area, as the spill affected only a small part of the lake where several pumping trucks were working Monday afternoon to continue cleanup.