<p>Emergency Wastewater Pipeline Repair Underway in Guerneville; Minor Traffic Delays Possible</p><p> </p>

At approximately 5:45 a.m., November 27, Sonoma Water maintenance and operation crews found the source of a wastewater leak in the 16500 block of Highway 116 (River Road) in Guerneville. Repairs will begin shortly on a ruptured sewer force main pipeline and will continue through the day. Heavy equipment, trucks and personnel will be on site. Traffic controls will be in place for worker, pedestrian and driver safety.

All wastewater discharges are fully contained, and there is no danger to the public or wildlife. No wastewater was released into storm drains or waterways.

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 has remained on site since the leak was detected. 

An assessment of the source of the leak began once the wastewater was contained, and crews began excavation to uncover the force main pipeline, which is buried approximately 7.5 feet underground, at approximately 4 p.m. on November 26.  Crews worked overnight to find the location of the leak. Multiple underground utilities are located in the excavation area, and work proceeded cautiously for both safety reasons and to avoid disrupting services to residents and businesses in the area.

The sewer force main pipeline is part of the 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.

A report was filed with the state Office of Emergency Services and the North Coast Water Quality Resources Control Board was notified.

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 operated by Sonoma Water.