By CAL BEVERLY
Staff Writer

A blocked manhole is responsible for yet another sewage spill into the lower reaches of Lake Peachtree, according to a press release Wednesday afternoon from the Peachtree City Water and Sewerage Authority.

The lower fourth of the lake has been closed to all swimming, fishing and water skiing, by order of the Fayette County Health Department.

The Fayette County Water System also stopped all withdrawals of water from the lake pending further testing. The lake is one of the main intake points for the county water system.

The WASA issued the following statement:

“On Wednesday morning a discharge of wastewater was released into the lower reaches of Lake Peachtree near the dam and Kelly Road (sic).

“The spill was caused by a blockage in a downstream manhole.

“The Authority staff responded immediately to stop the discharge and correct the blockage. The Fayette County Water System was immediately notified and any withdrawals from Lake Peachtree were ceased.

“The Authority will work closely with them to insure that the water is safe to withdraw.

“The Fayette County Health Department and the Georgia Department of Environmental Protection Division have also been informed of the incident. The exact volume of the discharge is not known at this time.

As a precaution, the Fayette County Health Department has closed the lower fourth of Lake Peachtree to fishing, swimming and skiing. In addition, Flat Creek immediately south of Kelly Drive has been closed.”