Fecal Matter: Combined Sewer Overflows in Port Angeles

BEACH Program Update

Clallam County Environmental Health Division issued the following press release last evening.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT INFO:
December 13, 2010 5:30 p.m.
Liz Maier, Environmental Health Specialist
Clallam County Environmental Health Division
360-417-2543

Combined Sewer Overflows in Port Angeles

Due to heavy rains over the weekend, the four combined sewer overflow (CSO) outfalls in Port Angeles discharged approximately 15 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 is advising the public to avoid recreational water contact in Port Angeles Harbor for the next seven days. 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."

Jessica Archer is the BEACH Program Manager. She can be reached at 360-407-6543 or jessica.archer@ecy.wa.gov

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