UNION TOWNSHIP (CLERMONT COUNTY), Ohio -- A contractor was pumping raw sewage into a creek near Piccadilly Square Apartments, according to the head of Clermont County Water Resources.
Lyle Bloom, the agency's director, said the contractor had broken off the tops of sewers and filled them in with debris.
"We've pulled out tree roots, limbs, dirt and other things they were pushing with their heavy equipment into the tops of the manholes," Bloom said.
When his crews found the pump, Lyle said they unplugged it and informed the contractor that putting human waste into the creek was illegal.
Jackie Riley, whose apartment overlooks the creek, said her 9-year-old son and other children who play in the creek have gotten sick; he has a high fever and is vomiting, she said.
"I think it's mind-blowing, really," she said.
The contractor didn't follow protocols, Bloom said, such as getting proper permits. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has been notified and could impose fines, he said. Bloom also plans to bill the contractor for the cleanup.
"We're tracking hours and equipment and everything that's out there and will invoice the contractor," he said.
