The Hammond Sewer Department was recently called to the 7000 block of Marshall on a home back-up issue. Upon inspection of the sewer in the alley, it was determined that an individual or individuals had intentionally poured hot asphalt down the manholes. In some areas of the 15 inch sewer, it was 80% full of asphalt. Two-70ft sections of the sewer were affected – one at 7017 Marshall and one at 7029 Marshall.
With the heavy rain event we had Friday night, the asphalt caused water to shoot out of the manholes. If Godwin Pumps had not been installed, the homes in that area would have flooded. The Hammond Sanitary District had Grimmer Constructions working on a project at their plant when the dumping was discovered. As such, they quit their work at the District to go to work on the sewer problem.
“With damages expected to reach as high as $500,000, we are asking for the public’s help”, stated Mayor McDermott. “Anyone who has seen suspicious activity or has camera feed of the affected area, please contact the Hammond Police”.