AVOID CONTACT WITH POCOMOKE RIVER NEAR SNOW HILL AT THIS TIME DUE TO COMBINED SANITARY OVERFLOW

Friday, September 30, 2016 – As a result of prolonged periods of heavy rainfall, the Town of Snow Hill reported to the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and Worcester County Environmental Programs that they have a combined sewer overflow event of over 10,000 gallons from their treatment plant. A combined sanitary overflow (CSO) is an overflow event from a combined sewer system that also collects rainwater.

With the high volume stream flow, rapid dilution of the sewage is expected. Worcester County Environmental Programs is monitoring the situation and will sample the river when floodwaters recede enough that collection activities can be safely conducted.

Environmental Programs is advising the public that contact with the river should be avoided due to potential contaminants. Fishing, swimming, wading or other contact with the waterways should not be conducted until this rain event has concluded and this advisory lifted. If you come into contact with the river, you should wash the area thoroughly with soap and water. If the contacted area has any open wounds or sores, then you should seek advice from your healthcare provider.