An estimated 20,000-gallon wastewater spill occurred at the Waimea Wastewater Treatment Plant following Hurricane Lowell, according to Kaua‘i County officials.
The spill, which happened sometime between 9 and 10:20 a.m. on Sept. 8, was limited to an overflow from the disk filter following biological treatment at the plant.
The overflow subsequently entered the adjacent drainage ditch.
“The spill resulted from power outages and rainfall associated with Hurricane Lowell, which impacted the Waimea area,” according to a news release from the county on Wednesday. “The power outages caused electrical failures at the plant, while increased rainfall led to elevated infiltration and inflow within the collection system.”
These conditions generated a surge in flows that exceeded the capacity of the disk filter, ultimately resulting in the spill.
Operators promptly responded to restore the equipment to operational status. County crews promptly disinfected and thoroughly cleaned the area.
Anyone with questions may contact Donald Fujimoto with the Wastewater Management Division at 808-241-4083 or email dfujimoto@kauai.gov.
