Sewage spilling from Due West Hotel in Olema into Olema Creek prompted the California Department of Public Health to close all Tomales Bay shellfish growing areas and wet storage intakes on Monday, according to the County of Marin. The County of Marin's Environmental Health Services discovered the septic system leak and its drainage pipe on Friday and capped the leak the same day.
The National Park Service detected the spill during routine creek monitoring. Further inspections and repairs of the entire septic system are expected this week.
Follow-up sampling will be conducted in Olema Creek to confirm sewage has dissipated and bacteria levels have returned to safe levels. No adverse effects on people or wildlife have been reported.
According to Greg Pirie, Deputy Director of Environmental Health Services, the incident highlights the need for property owners to maintain their septic systems. "This also serves an important reminder for property owners, businesses and residents to routinely check their septic systems ahead of the upcoming storm season," he said.