Tuesday morning, June 14, 2016 the City of Coos Bay experienced a sanitary sewer overflow. The overflow was caused by a deficiency in the force main that serves the Eastside area. The deficiency was located along the bank on the east side of the Isthmus Slough Bridge. The spill was reported by an Oregon Department of Transportation Bridge Inspector who inspects this bridge on a daily basis. As such, it is known that the spill started sometime between yesterday and this morning. Once the spill was reported it took the City wastewater crew seven minutes to respond and shut down the pump station that serves this force main and as a result stop the spill. Staff is currently obtaining information to estimate the amount of overflow. The City has mobilized crews and the repair will be completed today. The City had identified this segment of pipe as in need of replacement due to its age. Currently the City has contracted with a local engineer to prepare plans and specifications for the replacement of this line. Due to the in-water work window it was anticipated that this project would commence in October. Any questions can be directed to the City of Coos Bay Public Works Department. The telephone number for the department is (541) 269-8918.
