By Kevin Jefferies
Commerce – The City of Commerce wastewater treatment plant experienced an unauthorized discharge of an estimated 200,000 gallons of domestic wastewater to the South Sulphur River as a result of heavy rains last weekend. The potentially affected area is located along the eastern edge of Farm to Market 3218 and a short distance east along the feeder branch of the South Sulphur River within a .2 mile wide strip of floodplain between the feeder branch and the treatment plant.
Those affected may wish to take precautions such as boiling water before use, avoiding swimming in affected areas, or treating any well water.
The suspected cause of the discharge was failure to close a valve during the heavy rains.
Any questions can be directed to Commerce Wastewater Foreman Jimmy Jones at 903.886.1157.