Officials warn public to stay out of water in Hilo after 71,000-gallon wastewater discharge
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Officials are warning residents to stay out of the water in Hilo after reports that a process bypass occurred at the Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant in Hilo.
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The County of Hawaiʻi Department of Environmental Management said the incident took place from 9:06 p.m.-9:55 p.m. on Sept. 21, resulting in approximately 71,000 gallons of partially treated, fully disinfected wastewater being discharged through the facility’s ocean outfall, located about three-quarters of a mile offshore in Puhi Bay.
The cause of the bypass was an electrical failure. In response, crews took immediate remedial actions, including conducting emergency repairs to restore power.
Emergency response procedures were initiated, including notification of the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH). The County will be posting warning signs along the shoreline from Puhi Bay to the Hilo Breakwater as a precautionary measure.
The County’s Wastewater Division will be conducting daily shoreline water sampling to monitor bacterial contamination levels. The warning signs will remain in place until testing confirms that bacteria levels are within acceptable limits and DOH authorizes their removal.
The public will be advised when bacterial sampling has confirmed that levels are within acceptable levels for shoreline activities.
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