​The ECUA Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) sustained damage as a result of a fire that occurred on July 15, which required significant clean-up and repair work. The first few weeks following the fire were spent assessing the damage and investigating the source of the fire. While investigators were not able to make a final determination as to the cause of the fire, it is strongly suspected that batteries or a propane tank caught in the metals’ sorting equipment ignited, and fire erupted, in this area.

Update 8/25/21: Bulk Waste pick-ups are back to their regular weekly schedule. Like many other organizations across the country, ECUA is experiencing staffing shortages among our Sanitation collection crews, maintenance staff, and with our CDL drivers, which have been affecting our operations intermittently. As a result, we are suspending bulk waste collections (couches, mattresses, desks, chairs, etc.) effective today and through the rest of the week.

ECUA crews will begin smoke testing of the sewer collection system lines in the Pen Haven area on Wednesday, May 19 through Friday, May 21, to determine if there are areas where stormwater or groundwater are entering the sewer system. An overload of stormwater into the sewer system can lead to sewer system overflows (SSOs) during periods of intense rain.

Due to a COVID-related staffing shortage, ECUA’s third-party bill print/mailing processor is running behind in their production schedule. As a result, some of our customers’ bills are being delivered near or after their due date. Customers’ account standing will not be adversely affected nor be charged a late fee if they received a delayed bill. Customer accounts enrolled in ECUA’s E-Notification billing programs are not affected by these delays.

A fire occurred at the ECUA Materials Recycling Facility this afternoon at approximately 5:10 PM. ECUA’s first concern is for the safety and wellbeing of our employees. We are grateful and pleased to report that there are no injuries.

ECUA is pleased to report that our crews and emergency contractor have completed the replacement of the damaged section of 30-inch pipe at the Bayou Marcus Water Reclamation Facility.