Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District crews are responding to a failed above-ground manhole structure on the grounds of Resurrection Cemetery, 6901 MacKenzie Road.

The failed structure is in the western part of the cemetery, immediately southeast of Watson Road, according to an MSD news release. The failure of the structure has caused an undetermined amount of sewage to discharge into MacKenzie Creek, which runs through the cemetery and travels east to the River des Peres.

As of 6 p.m., MSD crews were working to pump around the failed structure, which will stop the flow of sewage into the creek. Further downstream, a barricade is being erected to stop the flow of water into the River des Peres.

At the barricade, the water will be pumped into MSD’s sewer system. Repairs will begin tonight and a 7,000-foot section of MacKenzie Creek will be cleaned up over the next few days, the release stated.

While there is no immediate threat to public health or safety, the public is asked to avoid contact with MacKenzie Creek in this area for the next 48 to 72 hours. Signs have been posted in areas where the public may readily come into contact with the affected section of MacKenzie Creek.

If anyone should come into contact with the creek in this area, he or she should immediately and thoroughly wash with soap and water, according to the release.

The failed manhole structure was discovered by an MSD crew doing routine maintenance and inspection work at roughly 2 p.m. today. The cause of the failure is undetermined at this time, according to the release.

The manhole structure failure and discharge of sewage has been reported to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, as required by law.