Permit Exceedance at the Empire Wastewater Treatment Plant, April 23

City of Coos Bay release – The city must meet wastewater effluent limits per the requirements set forth in the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) discharge permit. There are two bacteria parameters that are required testing: Enterococcus Bacteria and Fecal Coliform Bacteria. Both are indicators of the presence of fecal material in water, and therefore, of the possible presence of disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. The idea is that if during the wastewater treatment process, we kill or significantly reduce the bacteria, we have removed the harmful viruses and bacteria. Yesterday, April 21, 2021, high levels of both Enterococcus Bacteria and Fecal Coliform were identified in the wastewater effluent for the Empire Treatment Plant at 490 Fulton Avenue. The city’s wastewater contract operator will perform the necessary reporting with DEQ and the Oregon Emergency Response System and signs have been posted at the beach access near the outfall located at the most westerly end of Fulton Avenue, warning people of the potential high bacteria limits. Prior to harvesting shellfish, it is recommended that you check with the Department of Agriculture and/or Coos County Public Health for any updates. The contract operator is currently investigating the cause. Should you have any questions regarding this incident please contact Public Works at 541-269-8918.