Sewer overflow in Grand Marais caused by clogged pipe, city still investigating

The city of Grand Marais is still investigating the cause of a sewer overflow that occurred east of town on Friday, Oct. 11. 

The overflow was reported to be flowing from a manhole on Hwy 61 between the intersections with the Gunflint Trail and 5th St. into a stream that feeds into Lake Superior. 

City officials stopped the sewage overflow by Saturday evening, Oct. 12. 

Once the overflow was contained, city officials began investigating other manholes in the vicinity to determine where the issue originated. 

“We located a plug in one of the sewer lines under Highway 61 between the Border Patrol building and North Shore Plumbing & Heating,” city officials said. 

Great Lakes Pipe Services, a company based in Superior, Wis., assisted in unclogging the sewer line under the highway. 

City of Grand Marais Communications Director Patrick Knight told WTIP that the city had reported the sewer overflow and spill to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) State Duty Office, “which is required when hazardous material is spilled.”

Knight said the city intends to clean up any debris in the stream that flows underneath Old Shore Rd and feeds into Lake Superior if any debris is found. However, Knight said, “No cleanup is required by the state at this time.”

The cause of the clogged pipe remains unknown at this time. Knight said, “Our investigation is ongoing.” He said there is no indication that the construction activity on County Rd 7, east of the Law Enforcement Center, was related to the blockage.  

Great Lakes Pipe Services has returned to Grand Marais to inspect the lines with a camera to further investigate the cause of the clog.

Photos of the sewer overflow in the stream near Old Shore Rd on Friday, Oct. 11. Photos by Kalli Hawkins.

Kalli Hawkins October 16, 2024