Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Combined Sewage Overflows in Port Angeles

BEACH Program Update

The Clallam County Health Department has issued the following press release:

"Due to heavy rains on Monday, the four combined sewer overflow (CSO) outfalls in Port Angeles discharged approximately 1.3 million gallons of a mixture of stormwater and raw sewage into Port Angeles Harbor. Two of the CSO outfalls are near Hollywood Beach.

Clallam County Environmental Health Division recommends avoiding contact with waters in Port Angeles Harbor 48 hours following rainfall. Contact with fecal contaminated waters can result in gastroenteritis, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections, and other illnesses. Children and the elderly may be more vulnerable to waterborne illnesses.

The City of Port Angeles is currently designing a project to significantly reduce the frequency and volume of these discharges. Provided the City receives adequate funding, this project will be constructed beginning in July of 2011.

For questions about the advisory, contact Clallam County Environmental Health at 417-2543. For more information about the Port Angeles combined sewer overflows, visit www.cityofpa.us/CSO.htm or call 417-4811."

Liz Maier, Environmental Health Specialist is the Clallam County contact for this press release. She can be reached at 360-417-2543.

Jessica Archer is the BEACH Manager. She is available at 360-407-6543 or jarc461@ecy.wa.gov for questions.

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