FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 4, 2004

HEAVY RAINS CAUSE WASTEWATER SPILL IN KANEOHE

            Heavy rains overwhelmed the sewer system in Ahuimanu early this morning (Wednesday, August 4), causing a manhole to overflow and sending an estimated 5,000 gallons of raw wastewater into Kaneohe Stream.

            The spill, at 45-270 Waikalua Road, began at 6 a.m. and was stopped at 6:42 a.m.  Heavy rains inundated the sewage system in the area.  Wastewater spilled from the manhole when pumps automatically turned on at the Ahuimanu Preliminary Treatment Facility.  The pumps are now being controlled manually to minimize future spills.

            Crews will be sampling Kaneohe Stream and parts of Kaneohe Bay for contamination.  Warning signs are being posted at affected areas.  The State Department Health has been notified of the incident.

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