South Tahoe Public Utility District last weekend experienced a sewage spill of nearly 2,500 gallons near Washoan Boulevard in El Dorado County.

It was coming from a manhole near Onnontioga Street.

“The blockage was caused by ‘biodegradeable’ toilet wipes hanging up on roots that intruded into the main sewer from unused sewer laterals. The roots were cut out, and a herbicide was added to the sewer to kill the roots in the service laterals,” South Tahoe PUD General Manager Richard Solbrig told Lake Tahoe News.

Crews cleaned the area and tested the small drainage channel leading into the meadow that connect to the Upper Truckee River for bacterial contamination.

“Since several points close to the spill site tested above the health department’s desired maximums, the area has been posted to avoid contact with water in the drainage channel,” Solbring said.

Testing will continue on a daily basis until levels are safe. Warning signs will remain in place until then.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report