County wastewater crews have unclogged a sewer line and stopped the sewage overflow at a manhole on the mauka side of Kapaia Bridge. The overflow, which was reported at 8 a.m. this morning, was due to an obstruction in the
County wastewater crews have unclogged a sewer line and stopped the sewage overflow at a manhole on the mauka side of Kapaia Bridge.
The overflow, which was reported at 8 a.m. this morning, was due to an obstruction in the sewer main that was caused by an accumulation of grease along with other debris normally found in the sewer system. Once the obstruction was cleared, the sewer maintenance crew continued to clean the line until flow at the downstream manhole returned to normal. The area around the manhole was disinfected with bleach, and County work crews left the scene at approximately 11 a.m.
The public is advised that the sewage spill did affect the Kapaia stream from the highway bridge to Hanamaulu Bay, and the County is placing sewage spill signs and notifying local residents to avoid contact with stream water. Signs will be posted at Hanamaulu Beach, and at other areas affected by the spill that are accessible to the public. Sign posting and water quality monitoring locations will be identified by the State Department of Health.
It is unknown at what time in the morning of June 3 the sewer line clog occurred, or when the spill started. The County estimates that at least 18,000 gallons of raw sewage was spilled in the incident.
The County wishes to thank the State Department of Health, State Department of Transportation, County Department of Public Works, Roads Division and Kauai Police Department for their assistance with addressing this sewage spill.
