Broken force main releases 100,000 gallons of sewage

A sewer force main broke early Wednesday in Hayden, causing the release of roughly 100,000 gallons of raw sewage.

The incident occurred at 3:05 a.m. on Honeysuckle Avenue between Maple and Fourth Street in Hayden.

Traffic was rerouted around the affected area for nine hours while the release was contained and removed, and the area was disinfected.

The Hayden Area Regional Sewer Board has contacted a hydro-geologist to evaluate potential effects on groundwater and nearby water wells. Based upon past releases and the hydrogeological evaluations in this area, there is expected to be minimal to no impact to drinking water.

The wastewater release is likely to have a measurable impact on the aquifer at the water table. However, the water intake screens on water supply wells are deeper in the aquifer, well below the water table. The sewer board will evaluate the recommendations from the hydro-geological study and work with the water purveyors in taking the appropriate actions.

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality has been contacted, is apprised of all findings and is in concurrence with the Hayden sewer board's response to the release. The DEQ will be given written followup information, which is customary after incidents like these.