PORT ANGELES — The state is more concerned about possible public health hazards from a sewer line break than it is with long-term environmental effects, said state Department of Ecology spokeswoman Sandy Howard, Tuesday.
“It’s not as bad as a big oil spill. It will degrade over time. But it is a big stinky mess,” said Howard.
The state is concerned that the millions of gallons of raw sewage that have poured into Port Angeles Harbor might have contaminated shellfish or exposed beach-walkers to fecal coliform, said Howard.
Andy Brastad, Clallam County environmental health director, said his department is working with the county health department to figure out how to determine through monitoring when the water is safe again.
Beaches have been closed from Crescent Beach to the western tip of Dungeness Spit, not including the entire spit, said Brastad.
The closure prohibits shellfishing, swimming and wading as well as allowing pets to play in the water.
“We’re trying to hit the major places, such as the Dungeness Spit, Four Seasons Ranch area, and the mouth of Morse Creek,” he said. “We’re also posting Francis Street Park, Hollywood Beach, Salt Creek, Freshwater Bay, Crescent Beach campground and the west bank of Elwha River.”
The Waterfront Trail has not been closed.
