KAILUA-KONA — The state Department of Health is warning the public to stay out of Alaialoa and Kaohaoha gulches below Mamalahoa Highway in Ookala because of contaminated water.
Storm water within both gulches may be contaminated with animal waste because of wastewater spills from the Big Island Dairy facility, the department said Tuesday.
Big Island Dairy reported untreated wastewater from the dairy’s wastewater treatment system spilled from a damaged sewage pipe in the evening on May 6. Although the wastewater spill was reportedly stopped within approximately 30 minutes, wastewater discharged into Alaialoa Gulch, according to the department.
The total volume of discharge is unknown and believed to be greater than 1,000 gallons. In addition, the dairy owner notified the Department of Health that wastewater from the dairy’s lagoons may overflow into Kaohaoha Gulch becuase of heavy rains currently being experienced at the facility.
The department is advising the public to avoid contact with water within the Alaialoa and Kaohaoha gulches in areas between the Big Island Dairy and shoreline east of Ookala Town. Warning signs have been posted in the area. At this time, it is believed the contaminated water has reached coastal waters and further discharges are possible.
The department’s Clean Water Branch has notified the owners of the dairy that they must submit a written report documenting the cause of the spill. The discharge of animal waste to state waters is strictly prohibited and the Clean Water Branch will continue to investigate the cause of the wastewater spill and potential overflow.