<p>Minor Traffic Delays Possible in Guerneville due to Emergency Wastewater Pipeline Assessment</p><p> </p>

On Friday, November 26, Sonoma Water maintenance and operation crews will be conducting emergency repair work in the 16500 block of Highway 116 (River Road) in Guerneville. The work will begin at approximately 4 p.m. Heavy equipment, trucks and personnel will be on site. Traffic controls will be in place for worker, pedestrian and driver safety.

Crews will be investigating and assessing a potential ruptured sewer force main pipeline that is part of Russian River County Sanitation District (RRCSD) collection and treatment system.  The purpose of the sewer force main is to carry wastewater from the lift station in Guerneville to the RRCSD treatment plant.

Crews were dispatched on Thursday, November 25 to contain and remove spilled wastewater and to stop further discharges near the Guerneville lift station.  A small barrier was constructed to contain the spill, and a vac truck was used to remove the wastewater.  A crew with a vac truck remained on site throughout Thanksgiving day and night, and will be stationed at the location until the leak is repaired.  All discharges are fully contained, and there is no danger to the public or wildlife. No wastewater was released into storm drains or waterways.

An update will be issued when the source of the leak is identified and a repair plan is in place.  A report was filed with the state Office of Emergency Services, which will notify other agencies.

The RRCSD treats an average of 710,000 gallons of wastewater per day generated by 3,215 Equivalent Single-Family Dwellings in Guerneville and surrounding communities.  RRCSD is owned and operated by Sonoma Water.