The Fernwood Water and Sewer District reported that wastewater from a pump station started flowing into the St. Maries River Wednesday morning.

A combination of overnight rain, wind, and warmer temperatures caused snow to melt rapidly, and stormwater overwhelmed the pump station along the river, said John Sherman, an operator of the pump station at Fernwood, which is about 20 miles southeast of St. Maries on Highway 3.

The wastewater first entered the river about 5:30 a.m. By 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, it was still flowing into the river, though the flow had diminished to less than five gallons per minute, Sherman said.

Most of the water entering the river is stormwater, he said. The collection system has weak areas that allow the stormwater to enter the system.

The river is at or near flood stage and will dilute the wastewater, Sherman said.

The river temperature is 32 degrees Fahrenheit and isn't being used for "contact" recreation at this time.

The district said in a press release, "We do not foresee any public health threat as a result."

The district is in the process of addressing the problem.

A facility plan has been completed and construction projects are being planned.