Flood Overloads Sewer System, Firefighters Divert Waste Into Lake
The flood also caused the sewers to overflow, knocking out the manhole cover in Piazza Catena. The firefighters were forced to channel the sludge into the lake. WATER AS AN ENEMY is the central theme of this article.
No sector, no infrastructure, no system has been spared from the consequences of the terrible and prolonged flood that has been scourging northern Italy in recent days. The latest to fail was the sewer system in the city’s historic center, which, literally clogged, caused the manhole in front of the “Porto Goloso” pub to blow off yesterday morning. Firefighters and a specialized company were called in to resolve the situation.
Emergency interventions
It was just minutes before 11 a.m. yesterday when a new front opened in the difficult battle currently underway to keep a situation on the verge of collapse under control. Suddenly, a large gush of foul-smelling water emerged onto the square, also carrying debris of unmistakable origin.
Immediately alerted, the Riva fire brigade intervened with hydraulic pumps and attempted to address the emergency by siphoning the sludge and discharging it into the waters of the small harbor. This operation provided only a temporary patch until the rain ceases, after which the problem is expected to be resolved.
Causes of the incident
At the root of the problem, explained Vice Mayor Pietro Matteotti (pictured small), is the incapacity of the San Nicolò port wastewater treatment plant to process the incredible volume of material delivered by the sewer network. Recently, in addition to regular black water, infiltrates from saturated faults and water sucked from dozens of cellars and garages—many of which are disposed of into the sewers—have contributed to overload.
It is clear, therefore, that the system, designed for specific needs, has broken down. The treatment plant became clogged, backing up excess liquid into the pipelines, which in turn overwhelmed the two pumps located beneath the square.
Actions of the firefighters and consequences
Thus, the firefighters were forced to siphon the sludge and divert it into the lake, under the stunned gazes of passersby. A certainly unwelcome operation, but a necessary one.