Sewer force main break A sewer force main break resulted in some 28,000 gallons of untreated wastewater entering Reed’s Bay in Hilo.
Sewer force main break A sewer force main break resulted in some 28,000 gallons of untreated wastewater entering Reed’s Bay in Hilo.
According to a press release from the Hawaii County Department of Environmental Management Wastewater Division, Goodfellow Bros. was repairing the sidewalk over the Banyan Drive Sewage Pump Station and while excavating to prepare the foundation, punched a hole into the 10-inch diameter force main.
Approximately 28,000 gallons of untreated wastewater was discharged onto the ground and into the surface water in the Ice Ponds potion of Reed’s Bay, according to the county. A dozen warning signs were posted and samples were taken.
The pump was immediately turned off for repairs that were expected to be complete by 9 p.m. Monday.
