PORT ANGELES — The construction of a sewer system on the Lower Elwha Klallam reservation has been delayed by up to two months.
Work was supposed to begin earlier this month, but permitting issues have put that on hold.
The National Park Service is funding the $8.3 million sewer system intended to replace septic tanks that would become unusable after removal of the two Elwha River dams.
Without the dams, groundwater levels are expected to rise on the low-lying reservation, making the septics ineffective.
Olympic National Park spokesman Dave Reynolds said the state Department of Ecology permit has to do with handling stormwater in construction zones.
He didn’t have an explanation as to why the permit hadn’t been approved.
30 to 60 days to finish
But the process could take between 30 and 60 days to finish, Reynolds said.
The sewer, which will be connected to the city of Port Angeles’ wastewater system, was expected to be finished by June 2012.
The end date now could be in July or August 2012, Reynolds said.
Robert Elofson, tribal natural resources director, said he wasn’t too concerned by the delay.
“We’re hoping they can get it done quickly,” he said.
The delay won’t affect dam removal, he added.
Dam removal is to begin in September and is expected to be completed by September 2014.
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Reporter Tom Callis can be reached at 360-417-3532 or at tom.callis@peninsuladailynews.com.