Keys’ sewage line holds; bacteria samples taken

By Kathryn Reed

Health, water and environmental officials were at the Tahoe Keys Marina today inspecting repairs to the sewage line that failed over the weekend, allowing waste to flow into Lake Tahoe.

Several samples of the water were taken to test for bacteria. Lahontan Regional Water Control Board expects to have those results on Tuesday.

“We took several samples in and around the fuel pump. We did go across the channel by the condo docks to get background samples,” Lauri Kemper with Lahontan told Lake Tahoe News.

Results will dictate what further action Lahontan would take. It could include the need for more testing in the localized area or expanding the testing area, as well as fines. Lahontan may issue fines up to $10,000 per day for sewage flowing into Lake Tahoe or $10/gallon.

Bryan Vyverberg, with El Dorado County Environment Health Department, said the California Office of Emergency Service’s report says up to 15 gallons of sewage spilled from Friday to Saturday night from an overflow tank behind the Fresh Ketch restaurant. It ran onto the walkway near where people eat outside behind the restaurant and then into Lake Tahoe.

Officials from his office were out there today with Lahontan and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency to ensure the plumbing fixes that were made May 3 were holding.

Vyverberg said he still needs to speak with the harbormaster to figure out how the plumbing at the building works.

“We need to verify it is not going to continue,” Vyverberg told Lake Tahoe News.

Kemper said marina General Manager Robert Spinnato told Lahontan officials May 5 that flushed plastic bags caused the backup. Kemper is waiting for the plumber’s report to see what they found.

Steve Sweet, senior environmental specialist with Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, was also at the marina today. He was not available for comment.