PRINCEVILLE — A sewage spill released about 50,000 gallons of wastewater in an unoccupied area off Keoniana Road on Wednesday, and some could have gotten to the shoreline. The state Department of Health issued an advisory for the public, warning
PRINCEVILLE — A sewage spill released about 50,000 gallons of wastewater in an unoccupied area off Keoniana Road on Wednesday, and some could have gotten to the shoreline.
The state Department of Health issued an advisory for the public, warning people to stay away from the spill.
According to Princeville Utilities Company, Inc. (PUCI), faulty equipment is blamed for the spill.
The wastewater spill was caused by a pump motor failure at PUCI’s Pump Station 1, said Brand Suizu, PUCI manager in a statement to TGI.
Team members from PUCI immediately addressed the spill, Suizu said, and repairs to the pump motor are underway, according to DOH.
The wastewater also reached a nearby stream, which neither of the entities named.
“The spill location is not readily accessible by the public,” Suizu said.
Warning signs have been posted along the stream trail and shoreline where the stream meets the ocean and will remain in place until DOH orders their removal.
That will happen after water samples show safe levels of bacteria in the water, according to DOH. Those water samples are currently being collected.
Princeville’s resort properties, residential communities and commercial businesses are not affected.
Suizu said PUCI will continue working with DOH on the status of the pump, and will be involved in cleanup activities.
