Stories about unusual finds in sewer and stormwater systems often draw attention. We’ve all heard about wedding rings being pulled from sewer mains and precious little ducklings being rescued from catch basins. Those are nice moments for sure, but not every story has such a nice ending.
I recently came across a story from Tulsa, Oklahoma, about the disappearance of a woman during severe weather back in April. The woman was caught in the storm and decided to take refuge in a large storm drain. You probably already know where this is heading. Tragically, when the surging stormwater filled the pipe, the woman was swept away. The woman’s boyfriend shared details with emergency responders and the search began.
Crews searched through the night until 3 a.m. the next day with no luck. That morning, the city’s stormwater maintenance team brought out a sewer camera to aid in the search. A few hours later, they found the woman’s body in the 42-inch pipe.
I doubt anyone on the Tulsa stormwater team woke up that morning expecting to find a dead body. Emergencies aren’t typically expected. But you’re expected to respond, regardless of what else is happening.
Sewers overflow and cause public health and pollution concerns. Contamination can create drinking water safety issues. Main breaks can create dangerous soil conditions. Repair work can require confined-space entry, putting your own safety at risk. The list goes on and on. Not all emergencies bring out the sirens and crime scene tape.
Police officers and firefighters aren’t the only first responders. Emergencies stretch beyond fire and crime. And water and wastewater workers are regularly on the front lines.
I’ve talked in this space before about how you’re as responsible for the health of your communities as any doctors, as responsible for safety as law enforcement. You face difficult situations, danger and sometimes even come face to face — or at least camera to face — with death. Thankfully, you’ve proven up to the task.
You might not be celebrated as heroes, but you should be. Thanks for everything you do to keep us healthy and safe.
Enjoy this month’s issue.
