(BIVN) – An incident at the Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant on Monday night resulted the discharge of partially treated, fully disinfected wastewater into Puhi Bay.
The County of Hawaiʻi Department of Environmental Management reported the “process bypass” occurred from 9:06 p.m. to 9:55 p.m. on September 21 following a reported electrical failure. About 71,000 gallons of partially treated, fully disinfected wastewater was discharged through the facility’s ocean outfall, located about three-quarters of a mile offshore in Puhi Bay off Keaukaha.
From the County of Hawaiʻi:
In response, crews took immediate remedial actions, including conducting emergency repairs to restore power. In addition, emergency response procedures were initiated that included notification of the Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH). The County will be posting warning signs along the shoreline from Puhi Bay to the Hilo Breakwater as a precautionary measure.
The County’s Wastewater Division also will be conducting daily shoreline water sampling to monitor bacterial contamination levels. The warning signs will remain in place until testing confirms that bacteria levels are within acceptable limits and DOH authorizes their removal.
Officials say the public will be advised when bacterial sampling has confirmed that levels are within acceptable levels for shoreline activities.
