Summary

A buildup of fats, oils, and grease from homes and businesses caused a backup in a sewer line in Bellevue on Monday. Crews from King County’s Wastewater Treatment Division quickly restored the line and cleaned up the impacted areas.

Story

King County crews quickly restored a sewer line in Bellevue Monday that was blocked by fats, oils, and grease from nearby homes and businesses and worked through the night to clean up the surrounding area.

The overflow from a maintenance hole at the intersection of Lake Hills Boulevard and 154th Avenue Southeast in Bellevue lasted about an hour. While the crews from King County’s Wastewater Treatment Division were able to contain most of the flow, some of the wastewater made its way into the city storm drains that flow to Kelsey Creek.

King County notified health and regulatory agencies, posted signs along Kelsey Creek and Larsen Lake, and will conduct water quality testing.

The Wastewater Treatment Division encourages residents and businesses to help prevent sewer blockages by keeping fats, oils, and grease out of kitchen sinks.

Relevant links

• What happens when grease is washed down the drain?

For more information, contact:

Marie Fiore, Wastewater Treatment Division, 206-263-0284