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The City of Wellman noticed wastewater coming out of a storm sewer yesterday.  City staff members think a wastewater pipe broke and they are investigating where the breakage occurred.  It is unclear how long the untreated wastewater had been leaking, but they estimate about 63,000 gallons went into Smith Creek which flowed into the English River.

The Department of Natural Resources is requiring the city to pump the wastewater to the nearest sanitary sewer intake until the problem can be fixed.  The DNR has also asked the city to collect water samples and test for pollutants.

Residents should keep children and pets out of the area until 48 hours after the repairs have been completed.