Wailua Wastewater Treatment Plant Exceeds Effluent Level

The Wailua Wastewater Treatment Plant has experienced higher than permitted levels of liquid waste, or effluent, a couple of times in the past several weeks.

The county Department of Public Works advised the public in a news release Thursday, March 3, about wastewater effluent exceedances that occurred Feb. 22 and March 1 at the Wailua treatment plant. The measured Enterococci level exceeded the permitted limit. Enterococci are lactic acid bacteria.

An enterococcus sample taken Feb. 22 measured 8,065 colony forming units, or CFU, per 100 ml, above the permitted limit of 7,150 CFU/100ml. Test results in the subsequent days were below the permitted limit.

On Tuesday, March 1, the enterococcus sample was again above the permitted level, measuring 8,065 CFU/100ml. However, on Wednesday, March 2, the enterococcus sample was measured at 91 CFU/100ml.

The county continues to monitor in accordance with its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit.

Anyone with questions can contact the Department of Public Works at 241-4992.