Sewage fouling treasured S.F. Bay

Last weekend, 890,000 gallons of raw sewage and stormwater spilled into San Francisco Bay from an overloaded, World War II-era treatment plant. Five days earlier, a ruptured pipe released 400,000 gallons of filth into the bay.

And those were just the big spills the public heard about.

On average, human waste spills into San Francisco Bay more than five times a day, fouling the waters and shorelines of this environmental jewel and recreational treasure.

Decrepit pipes, outdated municipal sewage treatment systems, and poor upkeep have been blamed for many of the spills into one the world's most famous and beautiful natural harbors. And some of the Bay Area's wealthiest communities have been identified as some of the most persistent polluters.

"It's like living in a situation sort of like a Third World country, where there's poor sanitary management," said Sejal Choksi of the environmental group San Francisco Baykeeper.

Some spills have been blamed not only for killing large numbers of fish but for causing respiratory infections, skin and eye irritation, and diarrhea in swimmers. Signs warning against water contact are a common sight at beaches and marinas for those who swim, fish, or sailboard in the bay, especially after storms.

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