A plugged sewer pipe in Dubuque, Iowa allowed untreated wastewater to flow into the Mississippi River.
The blockage happened Saturday morning, December 28, 2013 in the 500 block of Samuel Street. It allowed untreated wastewater to flow into a nearby storm sewer and into the Mississippi River.
Iowa Department of Natural Resources officials said the blockage was caused by tree roots.
The blockage was cleared less than an hour after the problem was discovered.
“The public was advised to keep children and pets away from the area” until Monday morning, December 30, according to the DNR.
No injuries or illnesses were reported.