BELLINGHAM, Wash. — A sewage spill at Lake Whatcom has closed beach access at Bloedel Donovan Park while cleanup is underway.
The spill happened during construction work on the Electric Avenue bridge repair project. Around 5 p.m. on Wednesday, a contractor driving piles into the lake inadvertently struck an underground sewer line. Technology initially indicated that the line was in a different spot.
The line ruptured, and an estimated 25,000 to 50,000 gallons of raw sewage was released into the lake.
The line was shut off and sewer service was redirected to a different line to minimize the size and impact of the spill.
Beach access at Bloedel Donovan Park remains temporarily closed as a precautionary measure until water quality testing confirms that there are no residual concerns, according to a press release from the city.
Community members and their pets should avoid contact with the water in the areas near Bloedel Donovan Park as well. The city expects the spill to dilute as it mixes with other waters, but is also monitoring for ecological or downstream effects.
The City of Bellingham said they are closely monitoring the spill and working with the contractor and regulatory agencies to address the spill and ensure the safety of the public and the environment. The city will provide more updates as they become available.