NR 04-10-26 (Wastewater Spill Notice: Waimea Wastewater Treatment Plant)

WAIMEA – The public is advised of an ongoing wastewater spill of approximately 72,000 gallons up to the time of this news release, which began at approximately 7:50 a.m. today, April 10, at the Waimea Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP).  The rate of the spill has subsided corresponding to the rate of inflow to the plant.

The spill occurred due to high flows from the heavy rains and high infiltration and inflow (I&I) from the storm. High flows may continue depending on the direction of this rain event, and future spills may occur until the storm passes.

The spill was isolated to overflow from the effluent tank after passing through the biological treatment process and UV disinfection. The spill is believed to have reached the Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor and signs have been posted warning of the dangers of potential exposure. The map below indicates where the spill may enter the Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor in blue and where warning signs have been posted in red.

The Wastewater Management Division is working on immediate repair projects to address the infiltration and inflow problem. WMD is also working with the Hawaii Department of Health to identify options and expand the capacity of the UIC injections wells and R-1 reuse distribution to handle the higher storm flows.

Anyone with questions may contact Donald Fujimoto with the Wastewater Management Division at 808-241-4083 or via email at dfujimoto@kauai.gov.