Jan. 14, 2009 - Sewage from Library spills into Boulder Creek

Contact:
Jody Jacobson, Public Works, 303-441-3122
Jennifer Bray, Library, 303-441-4160
Lisa Bondi, Media Relations, 303-441-4959
http://www.bouldercolorado.gov/

A problem sewage pump at the Boulder Public Library, 1000 Canyon Blvd., spilled an estimated 250 - 300 gallons of raw sewage into Boulder Creek yesterday afternoon.  The sewage water that did reach the creek was washed away in creek water.  The remainder on land was immediately cleaned up. 

City crews responded at 3:45 p.m. to a report of water flowing from the Library and discovered that the sewage pump room was flooded.  A contractor had just installed new pumps in the room the week of Dec. 8, 2008 and new controls were added on Thursday, Jan. 8. 

The Library's restrooms were immediately closed.  The flow into the creek was stopped by 4:20 p.m. and restrooms were reopened.  Crews roped off the land area where the spill occurred - primarily under the covered area of Library, near the creek.  As of 6 p.m. last night, crews had cleaned the outside concrete area and pump room.  A sewage pump truck collected and removed the washings.  The Library's sewage pump and controls are being monitored closely today and contractors will quickly trouble-shoot any problems that arise.

The city notified Boulder County Public Health, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), city Water Quality and Environmental Services, and consulted with an industrial hygienist on the cleanup efforts.  The city is investigating for potential discharge violations.

Due to normal stream flow conditions and the relatively small amount spilled, steam control methods were not necessary.  The CDPHE was going to notify downstream users.

"We are grateful for the fast actions taken by the city's facilities staff," Library Director Tony Tallent said.  "As soon as we found out about the situation, we shut down the restrooms and staff responded appropriately.  They were quick to stop the spill and begin the cleanup.  We are monitoring the situation today and confident that we will get the controls fixed and avoid this from occurring again." 

The Library remained opened during this event.

--CITY--