A sewage leak in Doraville contaminated approximately 40 square yards of soil Nov. 19.

City officials said the leak, which occurred in Doraville’s industrial sector, also permeated the surrounding area with the smell of excrement.

“This is obviously an unacceptable incident but the city, county and board of health’s response to the incident has been swift and thorough,” Doraville Mayor Donna Pittman said. “Local officials will closely monitor the cleanup until it is complete.”

The plant responsible for the spill, Industrial Water Treatment, is located at 2600A School Drive. According to city officials, the company has said it will be shutting down its operations at the site of the spill.

A press release stated that Industrial Water Treatment is a business that accepts waste from contractors that pump septic tanks. The company treats the water with various agents and separates the solids from the liquids. The solids are hauled away to a land fill and the liquids go, by way of the private sewer line, into the DeKalb County sewer system.

Vickie Elisa, director of communications for the DeKalb County Board of Health, said investigators were sent from her department to investigate the site, along with DeKalb County Code Enforcement officials.

“As far as we’re concerned at the Board of Health, the situation has been resolved,” Elisa said.

After county and city officials determined there was a sewage leak they issued notices Nov. 21 to the owner of the plant to cease operations, repair the leaks and clean up the affected area.

Although the spill was a “serious violation” of local ordinances and state law, officials stated that the incident has not been deemed a threat to surrounding businesses or nearby neighborhoods.

Elisa confirmed that it appears the treatment facility is planning to move out of the area.

DeKalb County spokesman Burke Brennan said the revocation of their “industrial pretreatment” permit was mailed Dec. 3 and hand delivered to the treatment facility.

“It is taped on the door and a copy put in the mail slot,” Brennan said. “The tanks were disconnected from the sewer and the bypass in the back was cut and elevated disconnecting it. There is also a banner on the building saying for lease.”

Brennan said the county is continuing to investigate the property owner to determine if the facility was being leased or if Industrial Water Treatment is the actual owner.