MOUNT VERNON — The City of Mt. Vernon has discovered a significant collapse of a sewer main under the 20th Street rail crossing of the Evansville Western Rail Line.

This line is one of the oldest lines in the system dating back to the early 1900’s. This has created a sewer backup of the main that runs parallel to the L& N Reservoir.

There has been a leaching of sewer runoff out of the piping and has entered a portion of the L&N Reservoir on the south portion of the reservoir.

The City of Mt. Vernon along with Evansville Western Railroad, Illinois EPA and the Jefferson County Health Department are working on a solution to remedy the issue.

Residents are advised that fishing or entering the water at the reservoir has been suspended as a precautionary measure.

Due to the location of the collapse, repairs will be a lengthy process. Until further notice North 20th Street and Waterworks Road will be temporarily closed at the railroad crossing until further notice.

Samples are being taken from the area and tested to help evaluate the extent of the contamination and the necessary cleanup measures that will be performed.