Sussex County investigates wastewater discharge near Bethany Beach

The wastewater discharge occurred near Bethany Beach over the weekend. (Photo by Chatchai Limjareon/iStock Getty Images)

Sussex County officials are investigating a wastewater discharge issue at the South Coastal Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility near Bethany Beach after discovering a compromised pipe diverted treated effluent into a nearby tax ditch.

The problem was reported to the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) on Saturday, July 19, after Environmental Services staff identified the diversion from the facility’s outflow pipe.

The pipe typically carries treated wastewater about a mile offshore into the Atlantic Ocean.

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Instead, a portion of that flow was found discharging into a ditch near the Assawoman Canal.

Officials say the discharge involves treated effluent that has been sanitized to remove waste particles and other impurities.

While it’s still unclear how long the diversion has been occurring or the total volume affected, early estimates suggest less than 10 percent of the facility’s treated water was diverted.

Sussex County Administrator Todd F. Lawson emphasized the county’s commitment to safe and responsible wastewater management.

“Ordinarily, our operation runs seamlessly, treating millions of gallons of waste daily without incident. Unfortunately, however, sometimes technical issues and equipment failures happen,” he said. “But our staff works diligently to identify and correct any issues that might arise, working alongside our State partners, so that we are compliant and providing the best possible service.”

According to the county, initial testing of the discharged water indicates it meets quality standards outlined in the facility’s state-issued permit.

DNREC has not issued any public health warnings or environmental advisories related to the incident.

County officials say repairs are underway and they continue to work closely with state environmental regulators to monitor the situation.