FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                 October 25, 2005

Release No. ENV-33

TREE ROOTS CAUSE MANOA  SEWAGE SPILL

Tree roots clogged a Manoa sewer main and caused the spill of an estimated 8,250 gallons of untreated wastewater on Woodlawn Drive this morning.

Workers from the City Department of Environmental Services responded about 8 a.m. to reports that sewage was coming out of a manhole near 3234 Woodlawn Drive. Crews from the department’s Collection System Maintenance Division found the 8-inch main there clogged with tree roots. They stopped the spill by 8:35 a.m.

Most of the spilled sewage flowed into the nearby storm drain, which empties into Manoa Stream. Lori Moniz-Kahikina, assistant chief of the Collection System Maintenance Division, said runoff from heavy overnight rains that entered the sewer system may have contributed to the spill.

The area is being disinfected. The state Department of Health has been notified and warning signs are being posted along the stream. Water samples are being taken. The public is advised to heed the signs and avoid affected areas.

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