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Wastewater spills reported on Oahu, Hawaii island

CRAIG T. KOJIMA / 2017

Nuuanu Stream near River St. in Chinatown. The Hawaii Department of Health is warning the public to stay out of Nuuanu Stream in the stretch between South School Street and Ala Moana Boulevard due to an estimated 100 gallons of wastewater discharge from 1602 Nuuanu Ave.

The Hawaii Department of Health is warning the public to stay out of Nuuanu Stream in the stretch between South School Street and Ala Moana Boulevard due to an estimated 100 gallons of wastewater discharge from 1602 Nuuanu Ave.

Although the discharge has been stopped, the wastewater flowed into a nearby storm drain which empties into the stream.

On Tuesday, the state Health Department also warned the public to stay out of Alaialoa and Kaohaoha gulches below Mamalahoa Highway and the shoreline east of Ookala, Hawaii, where storm waters may be contaminated with from Big Island Dairy animal waste.

The dairy reported that untreated wastewater from its wastewater treatment system spilled from a damaged sewage pipe on Sunday evening. Although the spill was reportedly stopped within about 30 minutes, the wastewater discharged into Alaialoa Gulch.

The total volume of discharge is unknown, but believed to be greater than 1,000 gallons.

In addition, wastewater from the dairy’s lagoons may have overflowed into Kaohaoha Gulch due to heavy rains. At this time, it is believed the contaminated water has reached coastal waters and further discharges are possible.

Warning signs have been posted, and the cause of the spill is under investigation.

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