City of North Bend Wastewater Treatment Plant staff have identified several instances of suspected illegal dumping of septic or portable-toilet (Sani-can) waste directly into city manholes.
This practice is strictly prohibited and poses significant risks to public health, the environment, and essential city infrastructure.
Septic and portable-toilet waste can overwhelm or kill the biological organisms that clean wastewater inside the treatment plant. When these systems fail, it can lead to permit violations and environmental impacts to local waterways.
Additionally, as the waste has not been screened or inspected for contaminants, this can cause severe damage to pumping equipment throughout the collection system and the wastewater treatment plant. Repairing this damage can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
How you can help
- Report suspicious activity immediately. 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 right away, at (425) 765-0531.
- Note details if it is safe to do so: Company name on the truck, license plate, time, and location can assist with enforcement—but never approach or confront a driver.
- Remember, dumping waste into the sanitary or stormwater system without authorization is illegal and can cause serious harm to our community and environment.
Your vigilance helps protect our waterways, our infrastructure, and our public health. Thank you for helping keep our community safe.
[Information provided by the City of North Bend]
