MANKATO, Minn. — Mankato officials are warning the public to stay clear of a broken and leaking clay sewer line caused by recent flooding.
The sewer line broke after the floodwaters "caused a steep hillside to become unstable and give way," according to a Facebook post from the city of Mankato.
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency crews along with city workers are cleaning and repairing the line, which is at the bottom of a Viking Ravine near Barnes Creek in Rasmussen Woods.
Officials said the "leakage is flowing at a rate of 15 gallons per minute."
Crews said the area is difficult to access and poses several challenges for their heavy equipment. Officials said this repair will be a temporary solution and is expected to take a least one week to fix.
The clay line is over 70 years old and will be replaced by the new Viking Ravine Lift Station, which is currently being built. The station is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Officials said the sewer line break "is not impacting the safety of public drinking water."
