No-Contact Advisory Issued for Sekiu Marine Water

PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY Nov. 22, 2017

CLALLAM COUNTY, WA — Clallam County Health and Human Services has issued a no-contact advisory for Sekiu beaches/shoreline from Sekiu Marina to Clallam Bay Marina through Monday, Nov. 27, 2017, due to a combined sewer overflow (CSO).

According to the Clallam County Department of Public Works, the CSO began on November 21, 2017, around 10:30 AM due to heavy rainfall. By the afternoon the overflow had reached marine waters adjacent to the Sekiu Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Clarifier at 176 Front Street, Sekiu. Continued rainfall could prompt further CSOs.

CSOs are a diluted mixture of untreated sewage and stormwater that overburden combined sewer infrastructure. They occur as a direct result of stormwater entering the sanitary sewer system during heavy rainstorms.

During a no-contact advisory, the public is advised to avoid contact with the water in the affected area. This means no swimming, wading, or types of water play where water could be swallowed or get in the mouth, nose or eyes. People should also avoid direct skin contact if possible, and immediately wash with soap and water if they have exposure to the water.

For information on recreational beaches in Washington State visit:

www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/beach/

For Washington State Department of Health shellfish safety resources visit:

www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/Shellfish

For more information on the no-contact advisory, please contact:

Jacob Melly | Water Quality Specialist

Clallam County Environmental Health

360.417.2415

jmelly@co.clallam.wa.us

For more information on the CSO, please contact:

Meggan Uecker | Utility Coordinator

Clallam County Public Works