The Hawaii County Department of Environmental Management reports that a “process bypass” occurred Monday night at the Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant.

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The incident took place from 9:06 p.m.to 9:55 p.m. Monday, resulting in approximately 71,000 gallons of partially treated, fully disinfected wastewater being discharged through the facility’s ocean outfall, located about three-quarters of a mile offshore in Puhi Bay.

According to the county, the cause of the bypass was an electrical failure, and the affected waters are along the Keaukaha coast from Puhi Bay to Onekahakaha Beach Park.

In response, crews took immediate remedial actions, including conducting emergency repairs to restore power. In addition, emergency response procedures were initiated that included notification of the state Department of Health. The county will be posting warning signs along the shoreline from Puhi Bay to the Hilo Breakwater as a precautionary measure.

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The county’s Wastewater Division also will be conducting daily shoreline water sampling to monitor bacterial contamination levels. The warning signs will remain in place until testing confirms that bacteria levels are within acceptable limits and the DOH authorizes their removal.

The public will be advised when bacterial sampling has confirmed that levels are within acceptable levels for shoreline activities.

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