CLEARLAKE — Sewage overflow near Crawford Avenue at Old Highway 53 has shut down Elks Lodge operations. The overflow caused extensive damage to the building, which is now preventing the lodge from conducting its normal functions.
Sewage overflowed from a system port located behind the Elks building on July 16. Water entered and flooded the building causing damage to the flooring and walls.
“When I got here, there was about an inch of water covering the floor,” said Jim Mackey, board trustee for the Elks Lodge.
Carpeting throughout the entire building was ruined as a result of the overflow. Paneling and baseboards in the entry way, dining room and kitchen were also ruined. The mess caused by the overflow has been mopped up; however, Mackey said it could be a month or more before repairs are complete.
The Elks has cancelled its weekly Friday dinners. The lodge is hoping to gain clearance from the Health Department so that dinners can be prepared and served in the barbecue area in the near future. According to Mackey, the barbecue area can accommodate 150 people.
The youth activity breakfast that is normally held on the first Sunday of the month has been cancelled for August.
Special Districts Administrator Mark Dellinger reported last week that little more than 500 gallons of sewage overflowed in the incident, which he said was the result of grease and debris build up in the lines.
Mackey reported that the Elks Lodge does not generate grease. “Our lines were not the problem,” he said. According to Mackey, most of the food prepared at the lodge is either baked or boiled. The lodge does use a fryer; however, the grease from the fryer is picked up and turned into bio-fuel.
The Elks Lodge is fully covered and insurance pay out will fund the repairs necessary to reopen the facility.
Special Districts has reportedly completed all regulatory requirements related to the incident and notification has been sent to all the proper agencies.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com.
