FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                January 24, 2005

Contact:

 Eric Takamura, 864-3951 
                        Director, Department of Environmental Services

            Athan Adachi, 620-0247 
                         Chief, Division of Wastewater Treatment and Disposal

PEARL CITY  SEWAGE SPILL  UPDATE NO.  4

            Tests today (January 24, 2005) continue to indicate higher-than-normal levels of bacteria in waters around the Pearl City Wastewater Pumping Station.

            An estimated 2.3 million gallons of untreated wastewater were discharged Friday after a contractor opened a live 12-inch force main.  The spilled wastewater flooded the pump station and runoff entered Waiawa Stream and Pearl Harbor’s Middle Loch. 

            The investigation into what caused the spill is continuing. Results will be released when it is completed.

            Daily water sampling by the Environmental Quality Division of the Department of Environmental Services indicates high levels of coliform bacteria in Waiawa Stream, Pearl Harbor’s Middle Loch and other waters in the immediate area.   

            Pollution warning signs will remain posted and water sampling will continue. State Department of Health officials are being kept apprised.            

The public is advised to avoid the area around the pumping station, Waiawa Stream and Middle Loch.

-30-