PORT LUDLOW — Jefferson County public health officials are warning people to stay out of the water at Port Ludlow Bay after some 72,000 gallons of inadequately treated sewage was discharged from the outfall.
Olympic Water and Sewer officials reported a release of sewage at the Port Ludlow Wastewater Treatment Plant on Wednesday, said Michael Dawson, lead environmental health specialist for the Jefferson County Water Quality Program.
The release was because of a mechanical failure, Dawson said.
Repairs were made and the problem corrected Wednesday afternoon, he added.
Jefferson County Public Health has issued a “no contact” health advisory for Port Ludlow Bay and posted warning signs.
The advisory will remain in effect until Wednesday.
It advises the public to avoid any contact with the water in Port Ludlow Bay, including swimming, kayaking, fishing and harvesting of shellfish and seaweed.
The harvesting of shellfish is always closed in Port Ludlow due to the proximity of the sewage treatment plant outfall and marina.
For more information, phone 360-385-9444 or visit www.jeffersoncountypublichealth.org.
