Camden County residents advised to avoid Timber Creek

The Camden County Health Department and the state Department of Environmental Protection has asked the public not to swim, drink, fish or eat out of the Big Timber Creek or its tributaries.

At approximately 3:30 p.m. on June 18, a Camden County Municipal Utility Authority (CCMUA) pump station adjacent to Big Timber Creek on Chews Landing Road lost power from electrical provider, PSE&G. The loss of power created a backup in the station and resulted in a spill of sanitary water into the Big Timber Creek. After about 90 minutes power was restored and the overflow stopped was contained. Once the spill was under the control the Chews Landing Fire Department assisted in flushing the system, and the CCMUA was able to restore it to proper working order.

The Camden County Health Department and the state Department of Environmental Protection has asked the public not to swim, drink, fish or eat out of the Big Timber Creek or its tributaries for the 24 hours. The waterways will be monitored by the CCMUA, Health Department and the state DEP over the next several weeks.