Snow Hill, MD (February 18, 2021) – As a result of prolonged periods of heavy rainfall, the Town of Snow Hill reported to the Maryland Department of the Environment and Worcester County Environmental Programs (WCEP) that there has been a combined sewer overflow (CSO) from the Snow Hill wastewater treatment plant of more than 500,000 gallons. A CSO is an overflow event from a combined sewer system that also collects stormwater.
WCEP is advising that, as a precaution, public contact with the Pocomoke River waters in the vicinity of Snow Hill should be avoided for the next seven days.
“We are advising the public to avoid contact with the river due to potential contaminants,” WCEP Director Bob Mitchell said. “Fishing, swimming, wading or other contact with the waterways should not be conducted until this rain event has concluded and this advisory is lifted. Those who do come into contact with the river should wash the area of skin thoroughly with soap and water. If the contacted area has any open wounds or sores, seek immediate advice from a healthcare provider.”
With the high volume stream flow, rapid dilution of the sewage is expected. The high volume of stream flow has contributed mightily to the rapid dilution of the combined stormwater/sewage overflow. WCEP has posted this advisory at the State Park in Shad Landing and along the waterfront in Snow Hill.