Nearly 2 million gallons of raw sewage overflows from Lawrence manhole

Officials say close to 2 million gallons of raw sewage overflowed from a manhole in south Lawrence, prompting a health and stream advisory.

The Lawrence Journal World reports the overflow happened after a bypass pump failed Monday evening. Officials say sewage overflowed from the manhole for about 12 hours and went into the nearby Naismith Creek. The city wasn’t aware of the overflow until Tuesday morning, and the flow of sewage was stopped about an hour after it was reported.

Officials say the sewage could result in elevated levels of bacteria and contaminants in the creek, which is bordered by a city bike and walking trail. Residents are advised to not enter the stream.

City spokeswoman Megan Gilliland says the city has reported the incident to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

This story was originally published November 30, 2016 at 3:47 PM with the headline "Nearly 2 million gallons of raw sewage overflows from Lawrence manhole."