Prohibited substances identified in CBJ sewer system

Today, Tuesday, February 13, the CBJ Wastewater Utility received reports of an unfamiliar substance passing through the sewer system. Upon investigation, the utility confirmed large amounts of a foam-like substance at the Mendenhall Wastewater Treatment Plant.

CBJ is now working to identify the source of the discharge. Anyone discharging prohibited materials to our sewer system should halt immediately.

Prohibited substances in the CBJ sewer system pose risks to human health and infrastructure, interfere with the waste treatment process, and jeopardize our fisheries and environment. The public should also be aware that discharging these materials is a violation of the CBJ Sewer Code (75.02.080).

Prohibited substances include any materials that might adversely affect human or ecosystem health, such as fuel, chemicals, flammable materials, and toxic substances. They also include any substance that could interfere with the wastewater treatment or conveyance systems, such as fats, oil, grease, and solids. See CBJ code 75.02.090 for a complete list.

CBJ has notified the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation of this event.

If you have questions about the sewer system or prohibited substances, please contact the CBJ Utility at (907) 586-0393.