Plugged culvert leads to sewer sludge spill on Port Ludlow beach

PORT LUDLOW — Olympic Water and Sewer is warning residents to avoid contact with the water in Port Ludlow Bay after water containing treated sewer sludge flooded the beach.

An alarm at the wastewater treatment plant alerted workers at about 9 p.m. Wednesday, the company said in a news release issued Thursday.

Personnel discovered that an upstream community stormwater culvert had plugged and diverted the water to the treatment plant property.

Water flooded the site and one 9,000-gallon tank containing biosolids — or treated sewer sludge ­— was inundated, causing the contents to mix with the stormwater which was then flowing on to the beach.

Workers cleared the culvert blockage, returning the stormwater to its proper course and the plant to normal operation, the company said.

But it issued a warning to residents, “pending any additional instructions which may be issued by the Jefferson County Health Department.”

For more information, questions or comments, contact Olympic Water and Sewer at 360-437-2101 or owsi@portludlowassocicates.com.

More in News

Frank Lowenstein was hired as the Dungeness River Nature Center’s executive director in September 2024. (Frank Lowenstein)
River center director dismissed

Board is looking for candidate to fill role

Weekly flight operations scheduled

There will be field carrier landing practice operations for aircraft… Continue reading

A demonstrator carrying an American flag walks the sidewalk in front of the Clallam County Courthouse on Saturday. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Demonstrators march at courthouse

A demonstrator carrying an American flag walks the sidewalk in front of… Continue reading

Port Angeles High School twin graduates Kaylie Mast, left, and Kendall Mast, communicate with their friends by text while waiting for the start of the 2025 graduation parade on Friday. The parade began at Ediz Hook and culminated with a formal ceremony Friday evening at Port Angeles Civic Field. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Graduation parade

Port Angeles High School twin graduates Kaylie Mast, left, and Kendall Mast,… Continue reading

Suzy Ames.
College pivoting to meet deficit

School cuts more than $2 million in expenses

Pleasant Harbor Resort still seeking approval

Disagreements lead to delays and layoffs

Retiring Port Angeles School District Superintendent Marty Brewer, right, shares a career experience as his replacement, Michelle Olsen, listens during a retirement gathering on Thursday at Lincoln Center in Port Angeles. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Olsen sworn in as PASD superintendent

Stevens Middle School name change proposed with four options

Two hospitalized following head-on collision

Two people were transported to Olympic Medical Center following… Continue reading

Royal Canadian Navy to conduct exercises

The Royal Canadian Navy’s Maritime Forces Pacific will conduct… Continue reading

Power outage scheduled in Freshwater Bay area

Clallam County Public Utility District No. 1 has scheduled power… Continue reading

Slope repair work slated for Highway 19 on Tuesday

Maintenance crews from the state Department of Transportation will… Continue reading