Greensboro Reports 6,000-Gallon Wastewater Spill Into South Buffalo Creek

Crews stopped the flow after about two hours using sewer cleaning equipment.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The City of Greensboro reported that approximately 6,000 gallons of untreated wastewater spilled into South Buffalo Creek on Friday after a manhole at 2204 Van Wert St. overflowed due to grease in an 8-inch sewer line. The discharge lasted about two hours before crews stopped the flow using sewer cleaning equipment.

Why it matters

Wastewater spills can have significant environmental impacts on local waterways, potentially harming aquatic life and contaminating water sources. The city's quick response and cleanup efforts aimed to minimize the damage from this incident.

The details

The wastewater spill occurred after a manhole at 2204 Van Wert St. overflowed due to grease buildup in an 8-inch sewer line. City crews were able to stop the flow of approximately 6,000 gallons of untreated wastewater into South Buffalo Creek after about two hours using sewer cleaning equipment. The area around the manhole was cleaned, lime was applied, and nearby hydrants were used to flush the creek in an effort to reduce the environmental impact.

  • The wastewater spill occurred on Friday, February 14, 2026.
  • The discharge lasted about two hours before crews stopped the flow.

The players

City of Greensboro

The local government agency responsible for managing the city's wastewater infrastructure and responding to spills.

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The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of proper maintenance and monitoring of sewer systems to prevent wastewater spills that can harm the environment. The city's quick response and cleanup efforts demonstrate their commitment to protecting local waterways.