Submitted by Thurston County
Thurston County Environmental Health learned that there was a sewer leak or overflow from the bypass sewer line that crosses Percival Creek, near where there was a bridge collapse in February. The spill started sometime over the weekend and was discovered by City of Olympia staff this morning.
The system discharged approximately 1,400 gallons of raw sewage per hour directly into the creek. Thurston County Environmental Health staff are posting signs at Marathon Park, Capitol Lake, and West Bay Landing. There are already signs at lower Percival Creek.
The City of Olympia has stopped the spill and Thurston Environmental Health is working with the city to assess the creek’s water quality and inform the public. Water quality testing is expected to take place on the creek Wednesday, May 27. It is not clear at this time how much sewage spilled into the creek.
People and pets should avoid contact with the water below the Cooper Point Bridge, to include Percival Cove, Capitol Lake, and inner Budd Inlet, until testing shows it is safe.
