By SALINA POST
On June 28, 2024, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) rescinded a stream advisory for the Smoky Hill River from Salina east to the confluence with the Saline River that was issued on June 26, 2024.
The stream advisory was the result of operational issues at the Salina Wastewater Treatment Facility. The City has already resolved the issues.
Water sampling indicates that tested bacteria and contaminant levels are within normal range.
KDHE has deemed the stream safe for primary (swimming) contact and livestock use.
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Originally posted on 06/27/2024
Yesterday morning the KDHE issued a stream advisory for the Smoky Hill River east to the confluence with the Saline River.
At approximately 6:40 a.m. on June 26, construction crews working near the Salina Wastewater encountered an operational issue involving the wastewater pumps.
According to Martha Tasker, utility director for the City of Salina, approximately 60,000 gallons of partially treated wastewater entered the Smoky Hill River .
"When we treat the water at the wastewater plant, we have certain parameters that we have to discharge to. At this point, that amount of water did not make it through the whole treatment process," Tasker said. "They [construction crews] were doing some construction and had an issue with the pump and bypassed some partially treated wastewater to the river. We just want to make sure nobody gets in the river."
Tasker said City staff at the wastewater plant identified and stopped the wastewater flow at 7:10 a.m. City staff then notified the KDHE of the issue at 8:00 a.m.
The advisory has been issued because potential elevated levels of E.coli bacteria and other contaminants may be present in the Smoky Hill River. KDHE advises residents to stay away from the river at this time. If you live or have activities near this stream, do not enter the stream or allow children or pets to enter the stream.
Salina Post will update this story as new information becomes available.