The Innsbrook wastewater treatment plant was in “serious and significant violation” of state clean water regulations when sewage escaped the facility last month, state officials said.The polluted water that turned Charrette Creek gray over the Fourth of July weekend and killed hundreds of fish was the result of a sewage overload that far exceeded the capacity of the system, according to a report from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR).Innsbrook’s sewage treatment system is designed to accommodate a population of 1,400 people, the report states. However, Innsbrook staff told a DNR investigator the resort community had about 10,000 visitors during the holiday. The system could not handle the extremely large load, leading to what DNR calls a system bypass.The wastewater facility has a multistage treatment system that removes waste and disinfects outgoing sewer water. When the system is functioning correctly, the water is allowed to flow into Charrette Creek only after it has been cleaned and sanitized.The bypass happened when the high volume of sewage caused the wastewater to overflow out of the system, skipping parts of the treatment. An image included with the DNR report shows solid waste deposited on the ground around the treatment system.Innsbrook staff also failed to notify DNR within 24 hours of the bypass event, in violation of state regulations, according to the report.In a written statement, Innsbrook CEO and President Charlie Boyce said the resort community is committed to preserving Charrette Creek for future generations.“I cannot restate enough how much we regret this happened,” Boyce said. “Our wastewater treatment facility is functioning properly and fish are again swimming in Charrette Creek.”The treatment facility was cited for “significant noncompliance with the Missouri Clean Water Law” and state regulations, including high levels of E. coli bacteria in the creek, according to the report.Staff were required to remove all dead fish from the creek and post signage advising against contact with the water. Innsbrook must also draft short- and long-term plans to prevent another bypass, including any necessary upgrades to the system.“We’ve implemented precautionary measures and are continuing to work with (DNR) and our treatment facility engineers to ensure we will continue to operate in a safe and responsible manner in both near and long term,” Boyce said.The DNR report recommended installing a holding basin to accommodate extremely high loads in the system during holidays and major events.Innsbrook will have to act fast on at least a temporary fix. The resort is planning to host an eclipse viewing event during the total solar eclipse Aug. 21. Staff will be required to submit a plan to DNR a week beforehand, by Aug. 14, detailing how the treatment plant will handle high wastewater flow. Innsbrook staff will also have to conduct daily monitoring of the system and submit weekly reports to DNR until a permanent fix is implemented.

A photo taken by a homeowner who lives just outside of Innsbrook shows Charrette Creek clouded by wastewater contamination over the Fourth of July weekend. Submitted photo.