Sewage with syringes, adult diapers seeps into Georgia wetlands

MOULTRIE, Ga. (WFXL) -- A surge in sewage from nursing homes, and medical offices in Southeast Moultrie has caused an unsanitary situation for city officials.

City Manager Peter Dillard says that 2,700 gallons of sewage spilled into a wooded area near 31st Avenue within the last two weeks.

"Cleaning rags...there are wipes that are used to clean that look like towels that won't dissipate in water, and won't dissolve," added Dillard. "Adult diapers and there were actually syringes. But you lump them all together and they can stop up any storm sewer, and that's what happened."

While no chemicals or hazardous materials were found in the waste, Dillard says the improper disposal of waste from medical facilities is the root cause behind the sewers clogging up.

All of those materials were flushed down the toilets, which later surfaced on top of a manhole. City leaders are now collaborating with medical staff across the area to prevent future sewage blockage.

Medical staff at Colquitt Regional Medical Center are taking action by training new personnel to dispose of waste properly.

"We're also gonna put some signage in our restrooms just to remind patients, families, visitors, everyone of what should be flushed, and what should never be flushed," said Dena Zinker, who is the Vice President of Patient Services for Colquitt Regional Medical Center.

"It's 2,700 more than we'd like to have," said Peter Dillard, "but, on the magnitude of area spills, it's manageable. And it was in a wooded area with some wetlands that will dissipate the material."

Dillard is encouraging community members to do the right thing. Urging residents to put questionable items in the trash, or take them to the landfill to stop sewage spills in their tracks.