When wastewater operators at the North Bend Wastewater Treatment Plant noticed something unusual entering the system, it wasn’t subtle. The waste was bright blue, chemically pungent, and arrived all at once.
“On specific days, we saw a sudden spike of highly concentrated, bright blue waste with a strong chemical odor coming into the plant at a specific time,” said Susan Welland, North Bend Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager. “That color and smell are strong indicators of portable toilet waste, which contains dyes and chemicals that aren’t typical of household sewage.”
The city is now asking residents to help identify those responsible. City staff have identified several instances of suspected illegal dumping of septic or portable-toilet waste directly into city manholes, a practice that is strictly prohibited and poses significant risks to public health, the environment, and city infrastructure.
Welland said the pattern of how the waste entered the system was as telling as the waste itself. “The fact that this appeared abruptly and as a concentrated ‘slug’ suggests it was discharged directly into the system, rather than coming from normal day-to-day use,” she said. “The volume was also notable, because the plant continuously receives and mixes incoming sewage. It would take a substantial volume for the incoming flow to appear as blue and odorous.”
While it might seem like all waste is the same, Welland said portable toilet and septic waste are far more damaging to the treatment process than ordinary household sewage. The plant relies on billions of beneficial bacteria to break down waste naturally, and portable toilet products are specifically designed to kill bacteria.
“Our plant is like a living ecosystem,” Welland said. “If you suddenly pour in something like disinfectant or bleach, it can disrupt that ecosystem and slow down or even stop the treatment process.”
When biological systems fail, the city itself faces permit violations for inadequate wastewater treatment, along with potential environmental impacts to local waterways. Damage to pumping equipment throughout the collection system can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to repair.
Those caught dumping illegally face serious consequences. Licensed haulers are required to dispose of septage and portable toilet waste at approved facilities. Bypassing those safeguards violates state law. “Illegal disposal violations can range from civil violations, criminal charges, and potentially federal violations,” Welland said. “At the federal level, it falls under the Clean Water Act and can carry up to $50,000 per day per violation, and up to several years in prison.”
If you see a septic truck, portable-toilet service vehicle, or any other hauler dumping into an open manhole or storm drain, call the Wastewater Treatment Plant emergency line immediately at (425) 765-0531. If it is safe to do so, note the company name on the truck, the license plate, the time, and the location to assist with enforcement. Do not approach or confront the driver.
Residents curious about how their wastewater system works can also sign up for a tour of the North Bend Wastewater Treatment Plant, located at 400 Bendigo Blvd. N. Email Carrie Smith at csmith@northbendwa.gov to be added to the list. Once 15 people sign up, a tour date will be scheduled approximately one to two months in advance. Tours last about an hour and are generally held mid-to-late afternoon.
