(CBS DETROIT) – The city of Ann Arbor is conducting sampling after dried sewage and debris were found near an Ann Arbor elementary school Wednesday afternoon, officials said.
The sewage was found behind Pittsfield Elementary School, in a storm drain in a grassy area near a city storm drain.
The city investigated the situation but could not determine what caused the surcharge. The lawn was cleared and public works staff used lime to neutralize any contamination.
“An estimated 75 gallons of raw sewage were discharged onto the lawn, which ultimately flowed into the storm drain, which flows into and provides daylight to Swift Run — near Whitewood and Norwood Streets,” city officials said. “This area is currently being evaluated for improvements as part of the design work for a Capital Improvement Project in the Pittsfield Village area set to begin in 2025.”
Officials are working with the Washtenaw County Health Department to take upstream and downstream samples for the presence of E. coli. They also alerted the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy to the incident.
Because Swift Run flows into the Huron River, the city has posted signs advising people to stay upriver from South Pond for two days starting Wednesday.
