Water remains safe after overflows that occurred during Hurricane Helene

General Statute 143-215.1C requires the owner or operator of any wastewater collection or treatment works to issue a press release when an untreated wastewater discharge of 1,000 gallons or more reaches surface waters.

In accordance with that regulation, the following news release has been prepared and issued to media in the affected county:

The City of Hickory experienced two (2) Treatment Plant bypasses on September 27, 2024, due to the heavy rainfall received in the area from Hurricane Helene.

The City had a discharge of approximately 110,000 gallons of untreated wastewater at 310 Cloninger Mill Road. The untreated wastewater was discharged into Falling Creek.

A second discharge of approximately 183,125 gallons of untreated wastewater occurred at 4014 River Road. The untreated wastewater was discharged into the Henry Fork River.

The Division of Water Resources was notified of the event, and the spills had no negative impact on the environment. If you have any questions about these bypasses, call the City of Hickory Public Utilities Department at 828-323-7427.