Meter readers find evidence of kids living in Federal Way sewer
Aug 27, 2016, 12:40 PM
Ken Miller, a 30-year engineering manager with the Lakehaven Utility District, said he’s never seen anything quite like it.
Friday afternoon, Miller said meter readers with the utility company spied an open manhole in the middle of a Federal Way street.
They closed it, but came back later and saw it was open again.
“They pushed the manhole closed, and then later on they came back and the manhole was open,” Miller said.
They contacted the Lakehaven Sewer District, who sent out a crew to investigate. When they looked inside, they were surprised to find clothes, toys, food and other miscellaneous belongings.
Miller said the crew later made contact with kids nearby who said they had stayed there.
“This should not happen at all,” Miller said. “This is where all our waster goes from our houses and our businesses.”
In addition to debris, Miller warns there is limited oxygen and the possibility of vermin and potential gases.
He said crews that venture down into the sewer wear protective equipment and take other precautions against potential dangers.
“No one should be down there … this could have been life and death,” Miller said.
Miller said all of the items the crews uncovered have been removed.
