The milky substance that was discovered in Jordan Creek on September 24th was, in fact, milk. The City of Springfield’s Department of Environmental Services was informed of possible contamination of the creek through Fulbright Spring. Contaminated water was pumped from the spring and the creek, and fresh water was introduced to flush any remaining substance to pumping stations.
The creek began clearing up on September 26th.
The morning the milky substance was discovered, Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. reported to the city an abnormal (but legal) discharge of approximately 5000 gallons of dairy material consisting of cream, condensed skim milk and sugar to the city’s sanitary sewer system, according to a news release from the city of Springfield.
“Based on the appearance of the substance seen in Jordan Creek and its timing following the report from DFA, it was believed that the milky substance in the creek came from DFA. An in-depth inspection and dye testing of the sanitary sewer and stormwater system, and examination of DFA’s facility sewer drains and lines, were required to support that theory,” according to the city.
Both the city and DFA have been working to update an aging sewage infrastructure, and deficiencies in the infrastructure resulted in the discharge.
The city says the substance poses no harm to the community.
