‘ELE‘ELE — The county Wastewater Division responded to a report of a possible sewage spill on Mehana Road near St. John’s Episcopal Church in ‘Ele‘ele at approximately 1:09 p.m. Sunday. Upon inspection, personnel observed sewage flowing from the ground and
‘ELE‘ELE — The county Wastewater Division responded to a report of a possible sewage spill on Mehana Road near St. John’s Episcopal Church in ‘Ele‘ele at approximately 1:09 p.m. Sunday.
Upon inspection, personnel observed sewage flowing from the ground and running off in the direction of a nearby storm drain, according to a county press release.
Crews and equipment were immediately dispatched to the scene to mitigate the spill. Further inspection revealed that the cause of the spill was plugging of the sewer system.
The total volume of the spill is estimated at approximately 1,000 gallons, and is classified as a spill outside the confines of a wastewater facility that did not reach surface water.
The Department of Health has been notified in accordance with spill reporting requirements.
The Wastewater Division contained the spill and opened up the clogged line and was working on disinfecting the area.
Cautionary warnings were posted to alert the public to stay clear of the spill area, which is localized to property adjacent to the church and also near the storm drain within the traffic island on Halewili Road.
County spokeswoman Beth Tokioka said Monday afternoon that Wastewater Division workers will continue to investigate the incident to determine whether similar problems can be prevented.