Sewer spill causes stinky situation for Durham nonprofit

Staffers at the nonprofit Eno River Association arrived at their Durham office Monday to a smelly, stinky surprise.

A city sewer main backup over the weekend caused wastewater to spew from the toilets and flow throughout the building in the 4400 block of Guess Road.

“We’ve faced our share of challenges over the years, but nothing like this,” Executive Director Robin Jacobs said in a statement Wednesday. “We are keeping our chins up and moving forward.”

The office is on the banks of the Eno River, but Jacobs said none of waste reached the water.

The association, which works to acquire land for conservation, is undertaking an extensive cleanup that will include demolition and reconstruction of the building’s interior. They expect it will take several months and cost up to $100,000, most of which will not be covered by insurance.