ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Approximately 75 gallons of raw sewage are estimated to have been released into a grassy area behind Pittsfield Elementary School earlier this week, officials said.
City of Ann Arbor staff were told about dried sewage and other debris near a manhole behind the elementary school, at 2543 Pittsfield Blvd, on Wednesday, July 3.
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Investigators found evidence that the material had reached a nearby storm drain, which flows into Swift Run creekshed. The area, near Norwood and Whitewood streets, is slated for improvements in 2025.
Officials said the cause of the incident was not immediately clear.
City staff and the Washtenaw County Health Department are working to evaluate water samples for e. Coli bacteria. The grassy area where debris was found has been cleaned and treated with neutralizing lime.
Because Swift Run flows into the Huron River, boaters on the river are being asked to stay upstream of South Pond for around 48 hours after the incident.
Ann Arbor canoe liveries were not impacted, officials said.
The incident was reported to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE), per regulations.