FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                               November 3, 2006

SAND ISLAND WASTEWATER SPILL ESTIMATE CHANGES

            The Environmental Services Department now estimates 64,000 gallons of partially treated wastewater spilled at the Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant yesterday.

            The initial estimate of 330,000 gallons, announced last night, was based on a calculation error.

            The City’s investigation into the spill indicates heavy rains and construction at the plant were both occurring when the primary treated wastewater overflowed at two clarifiers between 11:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. yesterday.

            Just what caused the overflow is still under investigation.

            Some of the spilled wastewater entered a drainage system that leads to Honolulu Harbor. Warning signs were posted and water samples collected at first light. The public is advised to avoid the affected area.

            The Sand Island plant treats municipal wastewater for much of urban Honolulu, between Red Hill and Kuliouou.

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CONTACT:

      Ross Tanimoto, Chief, Environmental Services Monitoring & Compliance Branch, 692-5371