Satsuma reports on Sanitary Sewer Overflow 08.29.25
August 29, 2025
Satsuma reports on Sanitary Sewer Overflow
MOBILE, Ala. — The Satsuma Water & Sewer Board responded to a Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) that began on August 27 and ended on August 28. It occurred at the Cordova Lift Station that is located between Cordova Avenue and Vaughn Drive East, in the 5800-address range.
The estimated amount of overflow was 8,800 gallons. The SSO reached a drainage ditch that empties into Gunnison Creek.
According to Satsuma officials, because of the dry weather the spill was contained within the ditch for approximately 300 feet. The expected rain should dilute spillage. The spill flowed for approximately 10 feet over ground before entering the ditch, and that area was treated with lime.
Three contributing factors are believed to have played a part in this SSO:
- The process for acknowledging individual SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) alarms via on-call cell phone appears to have changed.
- SCADA alarms to personal cell phones did not perform correctly.
- Multiple events occurred at one time.
Dr. Kevin Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County, advises area residents to take precautions when coming into contact with any standing water that may have accumulated as a result of this overflow. Those who have come into direct contact with untreated sewage are advised to wash their hands and clothing thoroughly.
Area residents should take precautions when using Gunnison Creek for recreational purposes because of this overflow. All seafood harvested in this general area should be thoroughly cooked before eating. People should wash their hands after cleaning seafood and before preparing food.