Wastewater Spill Reported at Paukaa Station

Untreated wastewater was discharged from the Paukaa Sewage Pump Station Monday morning.

County of Hawai’i Wastewater Division officials say the spill occurred between 8 a.m. and 9:50 a.m., when pumps and an alarm system set in place to warn personnel of an abnormal condition at the facility failed.

Approximately 250 gallons spilled to the ground and 150 gallons spilled to the shoreline through a storm drain system, according to officials.

The system used to active the pumps has been restored and the surrounding area has been disinfected and washed down.

In addition, contaminated warning signs have been placed in the vicinity of the spill. Officials say the shoreline area in the vicinity of the spill is made up of steep cliffs, but that the signs were put up as a precautionary tool to advise the public that the area is closed to swimming, fishing, and boating.

Warning signs in the area will remain in place until the Wastewater Division receives approval for removal from the Department of Health.