Massive Wastewater Spill in Clark County Raises Concerns About Environmental Impact

LAS VEGAS – Clark County officials have provided additional details following a significant wastewater spill at the Whitney Lift Station over the weekend, with fears that a substantial volume of the spill may have entered the Duck Creek wash, ultimately leading to Lake Mead.

According to documents obtained from the Clark County Water Reclamation District, authorities were alerted by Sam Boyd Stadium on Saturday regarding a backup in their facility, attributing it to the overflow from the lift station and sewer through a manhole.

In response to the call, lift station mechanics and truck operators were promptly dispatched to contain the spill and facilitate the vacuuming of the overflow. The majority of the spill was contained within a large pond, as reported by officials.

As of Tuesday night, the estimated volume of the spill stands at a staggering 863,625 gallons, of which approximately 281,500 gallons have been successfully recovered. However, concerns remain as 57,483 gallons are suspected to have entered the Duck Creek wash, while the remaining portion has either been recovered or seeped into the ground surrounding the facility.

To mitigate the potential impact, the district promptly notified stakeholders downstream of the confluence of Duck Creek and the Las Vegas Wash, which leads to Lake Mead. Additionally, the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, the Southern Nevada Water Authority, and various local and federal agencies were informed of the incident.

According to the official notice sent to government entities, the spill was caused by a failure at the lift station rock catcher, resulting in the sewer overflowing from a manhole and obstructing flows into the wet well.

The Whitney Lift Station is responsible for pumping over four million gallons per day and has a capacity to handle up to 15 million gallons per day, as stated by the district.

Credits: KTNV