The Los Banos Public Works Department was alerted to the possibility of an underground sewer line break under the main CCID Canal, east of Center Avenue, on Friday, Jan. 20, during the late afternoon.
According to information provided by the city’s Director of Public Works, Nirorn Than, city crews were immediately dispatched to investigate and discovered a possible break in a sewer line that runs beneath the CCID canal.
Additional city crews and private contractors were mobilized, Than reported, and began excavating the pipe and contained the spillage. Crews have worked continuously since the sewer line break to protect the public and environment and to formulate a plan to replace the line.
The city’s Public Works Department has worked closely with staff from the Central California Irrigation District and various health and environmental agencies to mitigate any hazards to the area.
The estimated time of repair is still to be determined, as a multijurisdictional review process will need to take place prior to completion. Since this emergency repair is within the Canal Trail, access to the Canal Trail will be closed to public at Bluff and Rainier Drive.
“We appreciate the public’s patience,” Than said, “while we work to complete this repair and clean up any related damage. Should there be any questions, please contact Los Banos’ Public Works at 209-827-7056.”
