Construction work on the sidewalk on Banyan Way caused a break in a 10-inch sewer main and the discharge of an estimated 28,000 gallons of untreated wastewater onto the ground and into the water at the so-called “Ice Pond” portion of Reed’s Bay in Hilo on Monday.
According to the county Department of Public Works, an excavator operated by contractor Goodfellow Brothers accidentally punched a hole into the sewer pipe while preparing the foundation.
Wastewater Division workers turned off the pump at the Banyan Sewage Pump Station and pumper trucks are being used until the pipe is repaired. The estimated time of repair is about 9 p.m. tonight.
Warning signs were posted on the north wide of the bay and the division chemist collected seven water quality samples along the shoreline.