(BIVN) – The water quality advisory for Puhi Bay has been canceled, and all temporary warning signs have been removed, following a recent wastewater discharge incident.
On September 21, about 71,000 gallons of partially treated, fully disinfected wastewater was discharged through the Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant’s ocean outfall, located about three-quarters of a mile offshore in Puhi Bay off Keaukaha.
“The discharge resulted from a process bypass caused by an electrical failure at the treatment plant,” Hawaiʻi County officials said. “The electrical issue was repaired immediately.”
The Hawaiʻi Department of health advised the public to avoid contact with coastal waters near the outfall while water-quality testing was conducted.
“Samples were collected daily for three days following the discharge,” the County reported. “Test results showed bacteria levels to be within the applicable water-quality standards, and DOH has determined that the advisory can be lifted.”
Due to recent rains from passing Hurricane Nolo, a Brown Water Advisory was issued for the East Hawaiʻi coast, including Puhi Bay and Keaukaha.
