County health officials are advising Arundel-on-the-Bay residents to avoid contact with the water of Oyster Creek after a nearby 50,000-gallon wastewater spill -- the second pipe break in the area in two weeks.
The spill occurred in a wooded area along Arundel on the Bay Road, near Bay Highlands Drive, early Sunday afternoon. It was reported about 1 p.m. and contained by 4 p.m., according to the Department of Public Works.
Officials haven't determined whether the sewage reached nearby Oyster Creek, about a quarter-mile away, but the county Health Department has posted warnings to stay out of the water.
"We're just doing this as a precautionary measure," said Elin Jones, a Health Department spokeswoman. "We're conducting testing, and by the end of the week, we should have the water sample results."
The cause of the breaks is not clear, but officials believe the breaks may be the result of corrosion, a problem uncharacteristic of piping that is only 20 years old, the county said.
The public works department plans to bring in a corrosion consultant, who will recommend a course of action, said Pam Jordan, land-use public information officer for the county. The consultant will determine whether the pipes need to be replaced.
"At this time though we're just monitoring the area closely," Jordan said.
Although signs warn neighborhood residents not to swim, water-ski, skin dive or have other contact with the water of Oyster Creek, community members said they aren't too upset.
"Most of the folks around here don't do any swimming anyhow," said C.C. Evans, a Venice Beach resident who lives along Oyster Creek, which is just south of Highland Beach. The creek flows into the Chesapeake Bay.
"We would rather that it not happen, but I don't think it's hampering anyone," he added. "Just so long as it doesn't happen again."
Crews used a specially equipped truck to suck up the spillage, then put down lime to neutralize whatever wasn't removed, Jordan said. Residents did not lose sewer service that day.
The pipe broke 200 feet from the site of the last spill, on July 21.
Around the area of the break, small yellow signs read "Sewage Overflow Area." The Health Department warns that anyone who comes in contact with that area should immediately their wash hands and clothing.
The advisory will remain in place until the department says otherwise. Signs say fishing and boating are OK.
