Combined Stormwater and Wastewater Discharge to Gastineau Channel on September 26

The City & Borough of Juneau Utilities Division reports that a Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) event occurred at the Outer Drive Pump Station in Downtown Juneau during the heavy precipitation on Friday, September 26, 2025. The event resulted in a discharge of approximately 80,000 gallons of combined wastewater and stormwater into the Gastineau Channel between around 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Friday evening. Environmental impacts from this discharge are expected to be minimal due to the short duration of the event and the dilute nature of the discharge.

The discharge was caused by an unexpected low pressure weather system with heavy precipitation that temporarily overwhelmed the Outer Drive (OD) wastewater pump station during a sensitive construction action. The OD station is currently undergoing a major reconstruction and upgrade, due to be completed within the month. Once completed, the upgrades to the OD station will serve to prevent this type of event from recurring. This project is part of a comprehensive program to replace the Utility's aging and antiquated infrastructure.

For more information, contact CBJ's Water Utility Office at 586-0393.