The regulatory agency added that “partially treated and untreated sewage was found to be discharging to the storm sewers and ditches throughout Phillipsburg.
“The sewage discharges have caused high fecal bacteria levels and septic conditions in the village’s storm sewers. All samples collected by Ohio EPA exceeded levels of fecal coliform and E. Coli used to indicate the presence of a public health nuisance.”
The sanitary sewage in Phillipsburg flows into storm sewers, which then impairs water quality in Brush Creek and its tributaries.
The OEPA said the highest reading documented of fecal coliform was just over 800,000 per 100 milliliters. All samples exceeded 5,000 fecal coliform and 576 E. Coli per 100 milliliters, which is the level at which a public health nuisance exists.
OEPA officials said the agency noted the problems in a 2004 report about the Stillwater River.
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