A failed mechanical rubber plug caused an estimated 16,000 gallons of sewage to spill into Dyes Inlet this morning.
It’s the second sewage spill into the inlet this month.
The rubber plug was installed in the sewer force main, to stop the sewer flow while creating a bypass line around a construction site, according to a press release from the county. The incident occurred around 10:15 a.m. Tuesday.
The spill was initially contained with on-site equipment. For about 45 minutes, sewage flow exceeded the capacity of the on-site equipment, resulting in the 16,000 gallon spill, according to the release.
The county is reportedly conducting a full investigation of both events and will determine what corrective action is appropriate. All additional costs created because of the spill are the responsibility of the contractor, the release states.