CARROLL—An estimated 50 to 100 gallons of sludge from the Carroll wastewater treatment plant reached drainage ditch #77 Monday night. The release of sludge occurred about 6 p.m. after a digester pump was left on and overfilled the digester. Staff discovered and ended the release by 6:15 p.m., but some entered a storm sewer and reached the ditch.

The area has been cleaned up, but residents should keep children and pets away from the front gate of the wastewater plant and the drainage ditch for the next 24 to 48 hours. The plant operator plans to adjust the alarm to prevent future problems.