Heavy rain leads to sewer overflow in Sekiu

SEKIU — Heavy rains caused a combined sewer overflow of the Sekiu Wastewater Treatment Plant on Tuesday, prompting a no-contact advisory for nearby waters through Monday, Clallam County health officials said.

The no-contact advisory for marine waters is from the Sekiu Marina to Clallam Bay Marina, the county Department of Health and Human Services said.

Public works officials said the combined sewer overflow began at about 10:30 a.m. Tuesday amid heavy rains, according to the health department.

By afternoon, the overflow had reached marine waters adjacent to the Sekiu Wastewater Treatment Plant clarifier at 176 Front St. in Sekiu.

Continued rainfall could prompt further combined sewer overflows, county officials said.

Combined sewer overflows are a diluted mixture of untreated sewage and stormwater that overburden combined sewer infrastructure, officials said.

They occur when stormwater enters the sanitary sewer system during heavy rains.

People should also avoid direct skin contact with the affected water and immediately wash with soap and water if they have exposure, county officials said.

For information on the no-contact advisory, contact county Water Quality Specialist Jacob Melly at 360-417-2415 or jmelly@co.clallam.wa.us.