Untreated sewage discharged into river

SANDPOINT – Untreated sewage was discharged into the Pend Oreille River for four days after a valve was left open at the city’s sewer treatment plant, officials said.

The open valve, discovered Thursday, allowed an unknown amount of sewage to enter the river, and people have been advised to stay out of the water downstream of the plant, located near Lakeview Park.

John Tindall, an engineer with the Department of Environmental Quality in Coeur d’Alene, said E. coli has been found in the river. E. coli is linked to contamination by fecal material. It can cause bloody diarrhea and dehydration. The very young, the old and people with compromised immune systems are the most at risk.

“Somewhere along the line, a valve got left open and this stuff has been flowing in the wastewater treatment plant,” said Sandpoint Mayor Ray Miller.

Miller said the E. coli should dissipate quickly in the river, though a smell could remain for several days.