Body of News Release
Tomales Bay – The California Department of Public Health closed all Tomales Bay shellfish growing areas and wet storage intakes Monday following a sewage spill into Olema Creek.
The County of Marin’s Environmental Health Services (EHS) responded Friday to reports of a sewage spill at Due West Hotel in Olema. Upon inspection, EHS staff discovered a septic system leak and subsequent drainage pipe connected to the creek. The leak was promptly capped.
“Thanks to the National Park Service for reporting the issue during their routine monitoring of Olema Creek, our team for quickly containing it and Due West owners for ensuring it is corrected,” said Greg Pirie, Deputy Director of Environmental Health Services. “This also serves an important reminder for property owners, businesses and residents to routinely check their septic systems ahead of the upcoming storm season.”
Further inspections and repairs of the entire septic system are expected to occur this week.
Marin County Public Health and Marin EHS have received no reports of adverse effects on people or wildlife in the area. Follow-up sampling will be conducted in Olema Creek to confirm that the sewage has dissipated and bacteria levels have returned to safe levels.