E-Coli Warning from City of The Dalles

bigjohn · Since 13 Mar 2012 664 Posts Addicted

City of The Dalles has issued an E-Coli warning.

It is my understanding they will be issuing 24 hour updates until the issue is resolved.

https://www.thedalles.org/

https://ormswd2.synergydcs.com/HPRMWebDrawer/RecordView/6185974

https://www.thedalles.org/department/city_clerk/press_release_public_notice.php

https://ormswd2.synergydcs.com/HPRMWebDrawer/Record?q=webdrawercode%3A%22*069*%22%20And%20recAnyWord%3A%22press%22%20And%20recAnyWord%3A%22release%22&sortBy=recNumber-

Pepi · Thu Jul 14, 22 8:34 am

PRESS RELEASE
DATE: July 14, 2022
TOPIC: Wastewater Treatment Plant Discharge Exceeds E. coli Limit
CONTACT: Public Works Department (541) 296-5401
FOR RELEASE: IMMEDIATELY

The City of The Dalles Wastewater Treatment Plant has discharged effluent that exceeds the
plant’s limit for E. coli due to incomplete disinfection. Sample test results read on the morning of
July 12, 2022 indicated an E. coli exceedance. Several resamples in the following 24 hour period
confirmed that the treatment process is not under control. The cause of the exceedance is an
upset in biological processes. Rigorous water quality monitoring is ongoing.
The ultraviolet disinfection process has been ramped up to maximum capacity in an attempt to
compensate for partially treated effluent due to the upset. Wastewater treatment staff is working
hard to restore the biological balance so that the plant can quickly return to normal operations.
Staff has increased frequency of sampling until E. coli counts are back within permit limits.
Samples will also be taken at pre-arranged locations in the river to provide data on the effect of
the discharge on water quality in the river.
Signs have been placed at locations of public river access on the Oregon shore of the Columbia
River, from The Dalles Riverfront Park to West Mayer Park boat launch. The signs say: “Warning
- Contaminated Water - No water contact” and give phone numbers to call for information.
For information about Washington shore public river access, contact Klickitat County
Emergency Management at (509) 773-4545.
The Department is in communication with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and
local health department officials to coordinate response. Questions can be directed to the Public
Works Department office at (541) 296-5401.
For updates go to the City website thedalles.org

tinyE · Since 21 Jan 2006 2004 Posts not really an XTreme Poster

i just noticed these were warnings of 'exceedance'. Does that mean the level of poop in the water is higher than what they usually have? Shocked

bigjohn · Since 13 Mar 2012 664 Posts Addicted

This was the 7/15 update

Pepi · Sat Jul 16, 22 2:10 pm

Aaaaannnnd July 16th update. More of the same...

CITY OF THE DALLES

Department of Public Works

1215 West 1st Street

The Dalles, Oregon 97058

PRESS RELEASE

DATE: July 16, 2022

TOPIC: Wastewater Treatment Plant Discharge Continues to Exceed E. coli Limit

CONTACT: Public Works Department (541) 296-5401

FOR RELEASE: IMMEDIATELY

Operations at the City of The Dalles Wastewater Treatment Plant are improving but are not yet back in compliance after a recent plant upset that resulted in discharge to the Columbia River of treated wastewater exceeding the plant’s limit for E. coli. Wastewater treatment staff is working hard to restore the biological balance so that the plant can quickly return to normal operations.

On Thursday July 14, 2022 samples were taken at pre-arranged locations in the Columbia River to determine the effect of the discharge on water quality in the river. Tests on five samples taken between River Mile 186.5 and 189.5 show that E. coli levels at the sample locations were well below bacterial criteria set by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality for freshwater recreation.

As a precaution, signs will remain in place at locations of public river access until the discharge from the wastewater treatment plant returns to compliance. Signs are posted on the Oregon shore of the Columbia River, from The Dalles Riverfront Park to West Mayer Park boat launch. The signs say: “Warning - Contaminated Water - No water contact” and give phone numbers to call for information.

For information about Washington shore public river access, contact the Klickitat County Health Department at (509) 493-1558.

The Department is in communication with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and local health department officials to coordinate response. Questions can be directed to the Public Works Department office at (541) 296-540

bigjohn · Since 13 Mar 2012 664 Posts Addicted

Latest report reflects they are back in compliance.