CLALLAM BAY-SEKIU — Sewage has contaminated beaches from Sekiu Point to Slip Point.
Clallam County Health and Human Services issued a no-contact advisory for those beaches Friday because of combined sewer overflows (CSOs) that began Thursday morning.
In addition, the state Department of Health has closed DNR Beach 427 west of Sekiu Point to shellfish harvest as a precaution, the county said.
The no-contact advisory is expected to continue through this coming Friday, but could extend longer depending upon rainfall.
CSOs are a diluted mixture of untreated sewage and storm water that overburden combined sewer infrastructure, the county said.
“They occur as a direct result of storm water entering the sanitary sewer system during heavy rain storms,” the press release said.
By Thursday evening, overflows from the Sekiu Wastewater Treatment Plant had reached adjacent marine waters, the county said.
“Overflows have persisted off-and-on with heavy rain and may continue.”
The public is advised to avoid contact with the water. This means no swimming, wading, or types of water play where water could be swallowed or get in the mouth, nose or eyes.
People also are warned against direct skin contact if possible, and immediately wash with soap and water upon exposure to water.
