Olema Creek Sewage Spill Triggers County Inspection of Hotel Septic System

OLEMA, Marin County — October 31, 2026. A sewage leak in Olema drew a response from Marin County Environmental Health Services and helped trigger a temporary shutdown of shellfish harvesting in Tomales Bay earlier this month.

Where was the problem?

The county’s October 14 statement says staff investigated a reported leak at the Olema Hotel and Due West Restaurant property after the National Park Service identified a water-quality concern during routine creek monitoring. Inspectors found a septic-system leak and a drainage pipe connected to Olema Creek. The leak was promptly capped.

Why did regulators respond so broadly?

Olema Creek flows toward the Tomales Bay watershed, where commercial shellfish harvesting is closely regulated. Public health agencies must take precautions when wastewater may reach growing waters. The state ordered a precautionary closure on October 12 while sampling and evaluation proceeded.

What did the county report about health impacts?

At the time of the release, Marin County said no harmful effects on people or wildlife had been reported. The county also indicated that further wastewater-system inspections and repairs were expected and that follow-up creek samples would be collected. The announcement does not establish that every later repair has been completed.

What should Olema property owners do?

Review septic inspection and maintenance schedules, report suspected discharges to the appropriate agency and do not assume a creek is safe merely because it looks clear. The county Environmental Health Services can explain applicable onsite wastewater requirements.

Primary source: Marin County Environmental Health Services, October 14, 2026.

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