Locals in Haverhill, Massachusetts, say that the remnants of last month’s sewage main break are still having a lingering impact on the community. Despite the state’s assurance that the water is now safe, some beaches along Plum Island are experiencing much lower turnout as people avoid the area.
Local Businesses Feel the Impact
Business owners in Newburyport, such as Ryan Charos, who runs a fishing charter, whale watch, and beach parking lot, report that the beach parking had maybe 20 cars on a near-perfect beach day in July, typically they would have two to three hundred. Charos described the area as a ‘ghost town’ and said that each business is off by 25-30% right now.
Newburyport Mayor Sean Reardon acknowledged that the massive sewage line break is difficult for some people to get past, even with the data showing the water is now clear. Reardon said that the city is working with the state to try and secure assistance for the businesses that are feeling the impact from fewer customers.
Some beachgoers, like Morgan Patnode, who went swimming at the beach in Newbury, said that the water was very enjoyable when they went in. However, others, like Greg Gibbons, who was up from Kingston with his wife, Maryann, and two children, said that it’s a personal decision when it comes to visiting the beach after the sewage spill.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
