Sample test results of effluent discharged from The Dalles Wastewater Treatment Plant on Monday showed E. coli exceeding the plant’s permitted limit. Several resamples in the following 24 hours confirmed that the treatment process is not under control. The cause of the problem is an upset in biological processes. The ultraviolet disinfection process has been ramped up to maximum capacity in an attempt to compensate for partially treated effluent due to the upset. Staff is working hard to restore the biological balance so the plant can quickly return to normal operations. Rigorous water quality monitoring is ongoing. Increased sampling will continue until E coli readings are back to normal. Signs will be placed at locations of public river access on the Oregon shore of the Columbia River, from The Dalles Riverfront Park to West Mayer Park boat launch to warn of the contamination. For updates, go to thedalles.org.