FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                              February 12, 2006

CITY CREWS RESPOND TO ALIAMANU SEWAGE SPILL

            City crews are at the scene of a sewage spill near the Aliamanu Wastewater Pumping Station on Salt Lake Boulevard near Pakini Street.

            An unknown quantity of untreated wastewater spilled from what is believed to be a rupture in an 8-inch force main. Nearby residents reported water bubbling up on the road early this morning.

            Motorists are advised to take extra precautions in the area. The spill occurred under the ewa-bound lanes of Salt Lake Boulevard.

            Eric Takamura, director of the City Department of Environmental Services, said, “Excavation of the affected area, so we can expose the pipe and repair it,  will be delayed until after today’s Pro Bowl begins, in order to minimize the disruption to traffic.”

             After the Pro Bowl kicks off at 1 p.m., two town-bound lanes and one ewa-bound lane will be kept open on Salt Lake Boulevard. 

             Meanwhile, City pumper trucks are removing wastewater from the line. The pressurized line serves the Aliamanu area and was installed in 1953. Some of the spilled wastewater entered a storm drain that is believed to lead to Hickam Harbor. Pollution warning signs are being posted and the state Department of Health has been notified. Water samples are being taken from affected waters.

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Contact:

            Mark Matsunaga, 527-5767

            Lori Kahikina-Moniz, assistant chief, Collection Systems Maintenance Division, 768-7272