North Bend says suspected illegal dumping could disrupt wastewater treatment and create risks for public health.
NORTH BEND, Wash. — The City of North Bend says suspected illegal dumping of septic and portable-toilet waste into city manholes is putting public health, local waterways and wastewater infrastructure at risk.
In a public notice, the city said its wastewater treatment plant team has identified suspected cases of haulers dumping waste directly into manholes.
City officials said that kind of dumping is strictly prohibited.
According to the city, septic and portable-toilet waste can overwhelm or kill the biological organisms that clean wastewater inside the treatment plant.
If that happens, officials said, the system can fail, leading to permit violations and environmental impacts to local waterways.
The city is asking people to report suspicious activity right away.
Officials said anyone who sees a septic truck, portable-toilet service vehicle or other hauler dumping into an open manhole or storm drain should call 425-765-0531.
If it is safe to do so, the city said people should try to note details including the company name on the truck, license plate, time and location.
Officials said those details can help with enforcement, but warned people not to approach or confront a driver.
The city said public vigilance can help protect waterways, infrastructure and public health.
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