Just last weekend, this reporter was contacted with news of raw sewage seen bubbling out of a manhole in downtown Bessemer.
The manhole is located in Second Alley North, which intersects with 17th Street North.
The report was immediately investigated. Remnants of toilet paper were seen, along with water bubbling and flowing from the manhole. The overflowing sewage was running to the storm water drain at Second Avenue and 17th Street North.
The stench of raw sewage was more than just unpleasant.
This reporter was informed that the Jefferson County Environmental Services Department, the Bessemer Fire Department, the Bessemer Police Department and even the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office had all been notified.
As of Monday, Aug. 31, Jefferson County Environmental Services was aware of the situation and working to correct it.
What becomes of whatever was discharged into the storm water drain?
At press time, this was all the information available.
