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Savannah Business Journal Staff Report

January 22, 2018 - At approximately 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018, Chatham County discovered a leak on a sewer main located on Sallie Mood Drive. The sewer main is part of the Chatham County wastewater collection system.   Assessment and repairs began immediately and concluded by 10 p.m. During that period, the leak allowed untreated wastewater into the drainage ditch on East side of Sallie Mood Drive. This ditch ultimately drains into the canal which borders the Mayfair neighborhood and crosses Montgomery Crossroad before emptying to the Vernon River. The spill has been reported to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division and to the Chatham County Health Department, and they will guide and assist going forward.

To comply with normal protocols and from an abundance of caution, sewer system operators provide public notification in the event of any spill that is not contained on-site. Chatham County advises residents to avoid any swimming or fishing in the canal or river until further notice. They expect minimal impact to the creeks and rivers, but Chatham County will conduct laboratory tests and provide updates regarding water quality in the following week. 

Points of contact for Chatham County Public Works are Bert Matthews at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and Robert Drewry This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (912)652-6842, or Chatham Utility Management, the County’s contractor for operations, at (912) 352-9339.