BEACH ALERT: Cormorant Cove closed because of sewage leak next door

| Environment | Utilities | West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

Just in from Seattle Public Utilities:

Beach closure signs (are) posted near Cormorant Cove.

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) responded to reports of a broken (private) side sewer at 3717 Beach Drive SW on Saturday.

The customer hired a contractor to repair a small leak at one of the units. The customer is working with a contractor to perform the repair during favorable tidal conditions this week.

On the recommendation of Public Health – Seattle & King County (PHSKC), SPU has posted signs notifying the public the beach in that immediate area is currently closed to water activities. SPU is working with PHSKC to determine when the beach can be reopened.

The listed address is that of the over-water Harbor West Condos immediately south of Cormorant Cove Park. We’ve reported on several previous sewage-leak problems there.

miws February 13, 2024 (12:12 pm)

Again… :eyeroll:… —Mike

Bill February 13, 2024 (12:29 pm)

These people have sewage leaks every year or so. Perhaps it’s time to fine them so much money that they have no choice but to solve the problem permanently.

Kyle February 13, 2024 (12:38 pm)

Can’t wait for the next one to fail! Who can get this condo building to do the right thing and upgrade their sewer system to stop these leaks?Before someone else says xyz causes more pollution, does that mean we shouldn’t fix this? This has closed a public beach multiple times over the past few years to the benefit of condo owners not spending money to upgrade their sewer pipe system.

Curious George February 13, 2024 (12:40 pm)

This is a reoccurring issue. Does anyone know the legal ramifications involved here? Does the EPA get involved? Are fines associated with these leaks? High bonding for the owners, etc

KM February 13, 2024 (2:33 pm)

I’m curious about this too. If I’m not mistaken, the EPA can fine municipalities for overflows, and I wonder if there is anything similar for private overflows.

Anne February 13, 2024 (2:18 pm)

Again???

Susan February 13, 2024 (4:28 pm)

SPU property owners are responsible for maintaining their sewer lines, and any discharges from unmaintained lines can result in fines.

Tax Payer February 13, 2024 (7:19 pm)

King tides. Debry in water. Exposed pipes = broken.

BLK February 13, 2024 (8:50 pm)

That damn condo complex! Wish there were a legal way to demolish & remove the whole darn thing. It’s a nuisance.

flimflam February 14, 2024 (6:28 am)

wow, awful neighbor…

HarborWestNeighbor February 14, 2024 (7:47 am)

The tides do not reach the height that they would touch any sewage pipes or important infrastructure. This is simply a lack of the condo association to deal with obviously a failing sewage system. Unfortunately, the owners are going to have to cough up an assessment to replace it all but they are dragging their feet for as long as possible. . A substantial fine is appropriate and warranted. .

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