Water Contamination Warning for Columbia 5/5/16

Pepi · Since 16 Jun 2006 1831 Posts Pure Stoke Sports Shop Owner **CGKA Member**

Not sure how much of a concern this is for river users, but information like this is always important and helps others make educated decisions.

I will look into updates on water quality test reports as soon as I receive them.

Columbia River possible water contamination warning!!

DATE: May 5, 2016

TOPIC: Discharge of non - disinfected wastewater

CONTACT: Public Works Department (541) 296-5401

FOR RELEASE: IMMEDIATELY

An operational failure at the Wastewater Treatment Plant combined with a rain event resulted in discharge of treated but non - disinfected wastewater Wednesday evening through early Thursday morning. At 7:56 PM one of the plant’s ultraviolet light disinfection channels was brought online, but the UV disinfection system was not fully enabled for that channel. Plant staff responded to bring the system back online by 7:17 AM Thursday. The volume of non - disinfected effluent that was discharged is estimated at 416,000 gallons.

This event likely caused the Wastewater Treatment Plant to discharge effluent to the Columbia River that exceeds the plant’s limit for E. coli. Samples are being taken at pre-arranged locations in the river to provide data on the effect of the discharge on water quality in the river.

Signs have been placed at locations of public river access along both sides of the river from The Dalles Riverfront Park to West Mayer Park boat launch on the Oregon side and from the Dallesport Boat Launch to the Klickitat Sandbar on the Washington Side. The signs say: “Warning – Contaminated Water – No Water Contact” and gives phone numbers to call for information. These signs will be removed once the sample results indicate the river water is safe for contact and public use.

The Department is in communication with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and local health department officials to coordinate response. Questions can be directed to the Public Works Department office at (541)296-5401.

Singlemalt · Since 21 Jun 2015 460 Posts White Salmon Obsessed

Crappy day for kiting!

kochease · Since 03 Jul 2008 760 Posts In Ft. Stevens, OR Opinionated

I see what ya did there Wink