HANAPEPE — A sewage spill estimated to be between 50 and 100 gallons of raw wastewater shut down a Hanapepe pump station and closed Hana Road on Tuesday. The Department of Public Works determined that the leak appeared to be
HANAPEPE — A sewage spill estimated to be between 50 and 100 gallons of raw wastewater shut down a Hanapepe pump station and closed Hana Road on Tuesday.
The Department of Public Works determined that the leak appeared to be in the force main, said County spokesperson Mary Daubert. The pumps were turned off to prevent further spilling before workers vacuumed the spill.
Wastewater personnel responded to the spill after it was reported at approximately 6:50 a.m. It occurred along the shoulder of Kaumuali‘i Highway near the Hanapepe fire and pump stations.
Hana Road closed temporarily to allow pump trucks and contractors clear access to the affected area.
Wastewater officials said a temporary bypass of the force main was not possible due to the length of the run, according to Daubert. Pump trucks were brought in to the pump station to haul sewage directly to the ‘Ele‘ele Wastewater Treatment Plant to keep pace with incoming flow.
Workers dug a 4-foot by 6-foot trench that was 7 feet deep where the leak occurred.
“Upon exposure of the force main, it was determined that the leak was at the location of a previous repair where a stainless steel clamp had been installed,” Daubert said. “The work then commenced to replace the old clamp.”
Cleanup was completed by 6 p.m. and the pump station was brought back online. Steel plates covered the trench overnight, and Daubert said workers would begin pouring concrete over the repaired area today.
The affected area will be backfilled and the roadway will be patched.
