Salem, Ore. – On Wednesday, July 31, 2024, 2,500 gallons of sodium bisulfite were discharged into the wastewater treatment collection system at Willow Lake Wastewater Treatment Facility. This incident disrupted the normal operation of the treatment facility, increasing the risk of bacterial contamination in the water released into the Willamette River during the overnight hours of July 31, 2024.
The City of Salem’s Public Works Department takes full responsibility for the discharge and is working with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality to address the situation. This is a voluntary notice for public awareness and there is no immediate health risk to the public.
Conditions at the Willow Lake Wastewater Treatment Facility have since returned to normal, and water quality samples are being taken to monitor the situation.
The City of Salem apologizes for any inconvenience caused and is committed to implementing policies to prevent such incidents in the future.
For any questions, please contact the Public Works Department Dispatch Center at 503-588-6311 or email us at vice@cityofsalem.net“>service@cityofsalem.net
