Residents warned after more than 30,000 gallons of sewage spill into Ann Arbor park

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Residents were warned Monday after more than 30,000 gallons of sewage spilled into Bird Hills Park in Ann Arbor.

One couple said they could smell the stench of sewage the moment they stepped out of their home. They said they first called the city Friday night to complain

City officials said they couldn't find the cause of the smell until Monday. A Public Works crew found a sanitary sewer manhole flowing into the woods. Roots had grown through the sewer pipe, blocking the flow.

Crews removed the roots from the pipe Monday.

City officials said there isn't a community downstream of the overflow that draws drinking water from the Huron River.

The city said there is no public health risk and that cleanup efforts are environmentally sensitive. But for the next seven days, it's recommended that visitors stay on the park pathway and keep pets on a leash.