(WSB photo)

ORIGINAL 8:53 AM REPORT: County crews are working on what they describe as a “small sewer leak” near Alki Point and have posted warning signs in the area. Just in from the Wastewater Treatment Division:

King County utility crews are working quickly this morning to repair a sewer line leak near the 63rd Avenue Pump Station, which is located at 3535 Beach Drive SW.

The small leak was detected last night in a 42-inch pipeline that pumps wastewater from homes and businesses in West Seattle to King County’s West Point Treatment Plant in the Magnolia neighborhood.

An undetermined amount of wastewater overflowed out of the pipe and into Puget Sound. To protect public health and safety, crews quickly initiated cleanup and posted warning signs to keep people away from affected areas.

Construction workers will be on site this morning to repair the pipeline. King County reported the overflow to health and regulatory agencies and will monitor water quality over the next several days.

10:37 AM UPDATE: County staffers are distributing flyers in the area, and spokesperson Annie Kolb-Nelson also tells us they’re now closing the sidewalk, as well as one traffic lane – in an area that’s already relatively narrow. So they’re advising avoiding the area.

5:13 PM UPDATE: Work will continue tonight and tomorrow, the county says:

King County Wastewater Treatment Division crews have begun repairs to a sewer line where a failed seal caused a leak at the 63rd Avenue Pump Station on the evening of Thursday, Jan. 21.

Earlier today, crews excavated the pipeline, identified a repair method, and are now working to contain the leak and complete work as quickly as possible. Work is expected to be completed for the night at 10 p.m., and will resume at 7 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 23.

The area is cordoned off, and warning signs are posted to keep people at a safe distance from the work area during repair activities. King County employees are monitoring water quality, and will continue to do so until the problem is resolved and water quality returns to normal condition.

We will continue to provide updates as the work to repair this pipeline continues. Please contact us if you have questions.

What to expect:
· Work will continue until 10 p.m. tonight, and resume at 7 a.m. Saturday.
· Neighbors will experience noise, and construction lights will be on site.
· While repairs are expected to be completed Saturday, some work to restore the area may continue the week of January 25.
· Vactor trucks will be on site beginning Friday, January 22, 2016.
· Drivers should watch for traffic control devices – flaggers, signs and cones – and drive slowly through the area.
· Fencing, warning signs and tape will all be used at the site to keep people safe. Please avoid the area.