ENVIRONMENTAL ALERT: Sewer overflow closes shoreline in Fauntleroy

| Environment | Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

Just received from Seattle Public Utilities:

A minor sewer overflow (less than 3,000 gallons) occurred near the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal earlier today (Thursday).

The cause of the overflow can be traced to a blockage in the line. That blockage has been mostly relieved, preventing any additional overflow.

Seattle Public Utilities staff are posting signs at Cove Park this evening that let people know the area is currently closed to water activities.

We’ll be collecting water samples in the morning to determine when the beach can safely reopen to water activities.

ADDED: Register says, “The blockage, which was in the sewer mainline, was caused by a large piece of wood and other debris that got caught around the piece of wood.”

HS February 24, 2022 (9:02 pm)

What a waste. (humor)

heyalki February 24, 2022 (9:14 pm)

Interesting how this happens on a fairly regular basis

Jim February 24, 2022 (10:04 pm)

At what point is the city/county going to see repercussions every time these leaks happen?! Whether it’s from a blockage in neighborhoods or overflowing at the treatment centers this is just getting ridiculous

Joe February 25, 2022 (1:30 am)

At what point will the city realize the current sewer and water mains were not designed to handle the capacity now needed with all the new housing development happening?

Crapper February 25, 2022 (11:12 am)

The capacity issue remains the red herring it has always been. It is not new construction, which is far more conservative of water uses and hard surface run-off is kept form our combined sewers. The combined sewers are the chief culprit and many if not most West Seattle homes tie into the combine sewer. The lack of storm drains in the original establishment of Seattle has haunted us for generations. Growing up in the fifties, we had a small sailboat at the Fauntleroy Ferry dock. Back then, raw sewage flowed directly into the cove with visible toilet paper and sewage to wade through. The same was true of Lake Washington. Just check our history. It was the Feds that finally stepped in to force us to be more responsible about sewage in our waterwaysmn.

CarDriver February 25, 2022 (7:08 am)

Joe. When the citizens say they want infrastructure improvements and they’re ready and happily willing to pay for it with higher taxes/assessments/fees. So far nobody’s stepped up to say they’re willing to pay or offered “no cost to taxpayers” options.

stinky dog walk February 25, 2022 (7:51 am)

Minor? Man, I could smell it all the way in Arbor Heights. I thought a nearby neighbor had experienced a sewer back-up.

1994 February 25, 2022 (10:04 pm)

This morning, Feb 25, when I stepped outside for a few minutes I noticed there was a weird odor in the air and I could not think what it was. I live in Arbor Heights – was it really the sewer overflow odor?

Question Authority February 25, 2022 (9:53 am)

How many people are going to step up and admit they flush so called “Flushable” wipes and towelettes. Negligence is the number one reason for sewer backups and subsequent overflows, only toilet paper and what it’s used for belong in a sewer. And, don’t pour cooking grease down the kitchen drain either.