DEC investigates wastewater discharge

PENN YAN--The Penn Yan village wastewater treatment plant accidentally spilled 35,000 gallons of partially treated sludge (without disinfection) into a storm drain that flows into the Keuka Outlet from Wednesday evening, Aug. 23 to Thursday morning, Aug. 24. The Keuka Outlet flows into Seneca Lake.
Village officials report they contacted the Department of Environmental Conservation along with the Penn Yan Fire Department and reported the spill on the NY-Alert website network.
Operator error has been identified as the cause of the spill and a full investigation is now being conducted by the DEC.
Friday, Aug, 25 village officials said they will reinforce the plant's operational procedures and update and re-evaluate protocol.
Signs were posted along the Keuka Outlet Trail stating, "Stay out of water until signs have been removed due to a sewer discharge-East of Fox Mill Road, Requested by the Village of Penn Yan."
Sara Christensen, Yates County public health supervisor said Monday, Aug. 28 she did not receive guidance for public information last week after the spill. Christensen said she was waiting for further information about the water affected Monday morning from the state Department of Health. Christensen said the county health department is not the lead agency for the outlet so they are trying to figure out who should be getting the information out to the public. Christensen said the department provides information for Yates County regulated beaches but the outlet does not have that designation.
Jill Ritter, vice-president of the Seneca Lake Pure Water Association said, "We are disappointed with the spill. People with wells in the DEC outlined impacted areas (Dresden, Torrey, Penn Yan and Milo) should use extreme caution with their water. We recommend that users have their water tested to make sure it is safe to use."