Tourists from around the world stood on Kalapaki Beach Sunday afternoon and looked out into an empty bay. None of the usual crew of surfers or near-shore swimmers was in the water because the beach was closed. The cause of
Tourists from around the world stood on Kalapaki Beach Sunday afternoon and looked out into an empty bay.
None of the usual crew of surfers or near-shore swimmers was in the water because the beach was closed.
The cause of the beach closure was an early morning spill of nearly 250,000 gallons of treated effluent (waste).
Workers at the County’s Lihu’e Wastewater treatment plant contained the spill, which began at approximately 12:30 a.m, about six and a half hours later, at 8 a.m.
The spill took place after two pumps failed, according to Wastewater Division manager Mel Matsumura. The alarm system also failed.
The chlorinated effluent flowed into the ocean off Kaua’i Lagoons Golf Course, then traveled into a ditch system and emptied into the river mouth area of Kalapaki.
Because the effluent travels through ditches, the golf course isn’t affected by the spill.
Warning signs have been posted.
Chemists have been called to the area to test the waters near the beach.No estimates of cleanup cost or damages have been given at this time.
The beach is closed until further notice.
