September 19, 2020 - Fresno County Public Works engineers have completed a preliminary survey of the Shaver Lake wastewater treatment plant and have determined the plant has fire damage and is out of service until necessary repairs can be made. Fire damage to the holding ponds and the facility itself are continuing to be evaluated. The outage may delay repopulation for approximately 1,400 customers served by the system.

It is essential that effluent (raw wastewater) is not continuing to flow into the facility as it will only compound the problem. Until operation can be restored, customers are advised to not flush toilets, shower, or allow the flow of water into the sewer system. Currently the area is under an Evacuation Order. The County is looking at alternative solutions to expedite the return of residents once the area is no longer threatened by the Creek fire.

Steve White, Director of Fresno County Dept of Public Works and Planning stated, “Public Works and Planning is working with State authorities, a private engineering firm, and contractors to determine the next course of action. We are committed to repairing the system as soon as possible to get people home and business open safely and quickly.”

As more information is made available, we will provide it to the community.

Source: Fresno County Sheriff’s Office