City of Coos Bay release, Aug. 29, Summary: It was discovered that the recently constructed wastewater treatment plant in Empire experienced high fecal coliform bacteria counts in the sample that was taken yesterday (the test takes 24 hours to yield results). The cause of the high fecal count is still being investigated however; additional disinfection measures will be in place until lower Fecal Coliform counts are observed. Detailed Report: It was discovered that the recently constructed wastewater treatment plant in Empire (490 Fulton Avenue) experienced high fecal coliform bacteria counts in the sample that was taken yesterday (the test takes 24 hours to yield results). Fecal Coliform are used as indicator organisms to test the effectiveness of effluent disinfection in a wastewater treatment plant. While these organisms are generally harmless to us, they do live under the same conditions that human pathogens live. Since we cannot test for every pathogen in the effluent, we test for easily detectable indicator organisms. The assumption is that if we kill the indicator organisms then we most likely kill the pathogens during effluent disinfection. The Plant has to meet effluent water quality limits that are identified in a permit that is issued to the City by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The Plant does not have daily fecal limits (only monthly) but at this time it is believed that this will result in a permit exceedance. The cause of the high fecal count is being investigated. However, in reaction to the high fecal, and to protect water quality, the City has increased the dosage of Ultra Violet (UV) Disinfection to the maximum setting and is also supplementing the UV with a disinfection chemical. These extra precautions will remain in place until acceptable Fecal Coliform counts are observed. The City reported this issue to the Oregon Emergency Response System (OERS). Any questions can be directed to the City of Coos Bay Public Works Department at (541) 269-8918.
