The locals know the Tar River as a gathering place. A spot to fish, kayak, and even swim.

This week, the City of Rocky Mount announced a 1.7 million-gallon sewage overflow into the Tar River.

According to the city, the overflow was detected from a utility hole under the trestle on River Side Drive.

The City of Rocky Mount’s Director of Water Resources, Brenton Bent, said taking care of the spill was a top priority.

“Any spill is unacceptable. We understand that, and we have to protect the health, safety, and well-being of the public,” Bent said.

Data from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality show that sewage has overflowed from the same spot 24 times since 2018, totaling 4 million gallons of sewage.

Bent said it happens when…