News release City of Coos Bay. Earlier this week, the City issued a Public Service Announcement (PSA) stating that Wastewater Treatment Plant No. 1, located at 680 Ivy Avenue, was experiencing problems that have resulted in permit violation of its wastewater discharge to the Bay. The PSA cited that there was a “plant upset”. The City’s wastewater crew investigated; and it was determined that the violation was actually due to septic solids entering the disinfection chamber, and the quantity of the solids could not be disinfected by normal means. [Septic means that something is infected with bacteria.] Immediately learning this, the operators discovered the source of the solids was coming from the upstream clarifier that was not operating properly. [In simple terms, a clarifier is a settling tank built with mechanical means for continuous removal of solids.] The operators fixed the mechanical components; and as of now, the clarifier is back online and operating properly. The test that must be performed to determine if the plant is meeting permit requires five days. As a result, the City will not know if the plant is meeting permit until next week. Because of the potential of endangering human health and the environment, this situation was reported to Department of Environmental Quality and Coos Health and Wellness. Recreational shell fish harvesters are advised to thoroughly cook shell fish prior to consumption. Those coming in contact with the bay water are advised to thoroughly wash. Updates will be provided next week when the City receives the test results. Any questions can be directed to the City of Coos Bay Public Works & Community Development Department at (541) 269-8918.
