‘Extreme flooding’ puts raw sewage in Osage Co. waterways

Update: At 1:30 p.m. on July 2, the KDHE revised its stream advisory. The KDHE rescinded the advisory for Melvern Lake due to the distance from the lake to the City of Allen’s wastewater treatment plant. The advisory will be rescinded completely after bacteria testing takes place deeming the water safe.

OSAGE COUNTY ( KSNT ) – Raw sewage made its way into Melvern Lake, and some creeks surrounding the lake after extreme flooding.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) issued stream advisories for Hill Creek, 142 Creek, Elm Creek and the northwestern junction of Melvern Lake near Allen in Osage County.

According to a news release from KDHE, this advisory is a result of raw sewage releasing from Allen’s waste water treatment plant. This release is due to extreme flooding.

Health officials believe potential elevated bacteria and contaminants may be present in Hill Creek, 142 Creek, Elm Creek and the northwestern confluence of Melvern Lake. KDHE urges residents living or taking part in activities near these waterways to not enter the water or let children or pets into the water.

KDHE announced in the news release, it will rescind the advisory after plant operations are repaired and bacteria testing shows primary contact, like swimming, is deemed “safe”.

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