MOUNTLAKE TERRACE – An overflow at one of Mountlake Terrace’s wastewater pump stations has discharged 160,000 gallons of sewage and 45,000 gallons of wastewater into Lyons Creek, which runs through Brier and Lake Forest Park.
Mountlake Terrace’s public works director, Larry Waters, said the overflow was at the Cedar Grove pump station. Because of the Veterans Day holiday, the overflow continued for about 41 hours undetected, officials said.
To make matters worse, there was a power outage, so the alarm didn’t sound and the automatic pager system was turned off.
Waters said overflow usually goes to a facility in Brier, but because of construction at the 38-year-old station, the overflow line was set temporarily above the creek line.
“We’re making improvements so we’ll have more control over those overflow lines,” Waters said, adding that the construction also will help in avoiding future overflows into the creek.
Signs were posted along Lyons Creek, which runs into Lake Washington, warning residents of contamination. Workers also notified residents in person who live along the creek, said Karen Burgess, a facility manager for the state Department of Ecology.
The city has taken the necessary actions, she said, adding that no formal cleanup would help at this point. Burgess said it isn’t clear whether the city would be fined for the spill.
According to city officials, the upgrades at the pump station are expected to be complete before the end of the year.
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