A recent report from WREG-TV in Memphis detailed the current predicament faced by the city over an engineering issue that has plagued the area.
The report relayed raw sewage has been pouring into a drain in North Memphis, and from there, the waste has reached residents’ lawns. According to the station, the problem is linked to an engineering error in the city’s system that is moving the waste.
However, this problem is just one of many in the city. The town is currently being sued for its sewage management at the M.C. Stiles waste treatment plant, where 1,170 instances of overflowing sewage took place between 2005 and 2009, equal to 23 million gallons of waste.
This overflow has resulted in many environmental and human health violations. White foam has also been detected at the Stiles waste plant, which a clean water agency claimed is a pollutant to the city’s drinking water.
While the city proceeds with its efforts to remedy the situation and protect itself in court, the town may spend nearly $50 million to right the damages. The case highlights the need for companies of all sizes to carry professional liability insurance, as malfunctions can occur and ruin a business.