The pond in Joyner Park is closed due to contamination from a sewer leak.

An initial assessment by Raleigh city staff found that the line was clogged by grease that had been poured into drains, eventually causing sewage to leak from a nearby manhole.

Wake Forest spokesman Bill Crabtree said the leak was likely responsible for the red algae growth.

For this reason, the city has closed the pond and the nearby hiking trail until further notice.

Lisa Ward and Joan Maynard, who visit the park every day with their dogs, noticed the effects.

“Normally when we go out and feed the turtles the catfish and everyone else come, but there was no sign of life,” Joan Maynard said.

The impact of algal blooms can make people sick, kill animals and wildlife, and release harmful toxins and gases.

“We’ll see what we can do to treat the water,” said Nick Nolte, Wake Forest’s stormwater management director. “That may include algaecides, bubblers and reintroducing oxygen into the water.”

However, some residents, such as Khya Kornegay, are concerned about the sewage.

“Where is it going? Where is it going? I’ve seen other families come here to fish. Can they continue to do that?” she asked.

Raleigh Utilities operates Wake Forest’s sewer system. Crews will work through the night to remove the blockage from the pipe and divert the contaminated water to the pond. From there, they will pump out the contaminated water and replace it with drinking water. It could take days or weeks to resolve the problem.

Crews were called in to close a valve to prevent more contaminated water from flowing downstream.

Raleigh Utilities does not know when the problem first occurred.

“Hopefully it will be repaired soon and the smell will disappear quickly,” said Khya Kornegay.

Visitors to the park are advised:

• Stay away from the pond and avoid any contact with water or algae, even on the banks.
• Refrain from fishing or participating in other water activities in the pond.
• Prevent dogs from swimming in or drinking pond water.
• In case of contact with water, rinse immediately.
• If symptoms occur after contact, consult a doctor or veterinarian.

The city government is working with Raleigh Water and the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality to determine next steps.

Signs and fences have been put up to inform the public about the closure.

Experience has shown that this effort will cost around 50,000 US dollars.

Neighbors in Garner, Wendell, Wake Forest, Zebulon, Knightdale and Raleigh can call Raleigh Utilities at 919-996-3245 if they ever notice a strong sewage odor.

For more information, contact Nick Nolte at 919-435-9449 or [email protected].