Heavy rains overnight caused two separate sewer main breaks in Haverhill, Massachusetts, resulting in sewage flowing into the Merrimack River. The mayor’s office reported that around 9 p.m. Friday, during torrential rains, the city experienced a break in a 42-inch sewer main near its main pumping station.
Response Efforts
The Department of Public Works has been working continuously since Friday night to address the issue. As they were investigating the damage on Saturday, they discovered a second sewer main break, which requires additional assessment to determine the needed repairs.
The city’s priorities are to protect public health, stop the discharge into the Merrimack River as quickly as possible, maintain sewer service to the community, and complete a safe and permanent repair. The public is being advised to avoid contact with the Merrimack River in the immediate area and downstream of the discharge until repairs have been completed.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
