Plum Island Beach in Newburyport is closed to swimming after heavy rains broken a sewer important in Haverhill, inflicting untreated wastewater to discharge into the Merrimack River, a metropolis official stated Saturday.
The island had been closed to swimming for a 48-hour precautionary interval because of the June 25 sanitary sewer overflow upstream in Haverhill, Newburyport Director of Public Health Kelechi Obika stated in an announcement.
Officials initially introduced that the seaside would reopen Saturday after the precautionary interval expired however closed it once more after discovering a second break within the sewer line in Haverhill, Obika stated.
“Late last night, during the heavy downpours that impacted the region, the City of Haverhill discovered a break in a 42-inch sewer force main near its main pumping station,” Obika stated. “As crews investigated the damage today, a second break was identified, confirming an ongoing discharge of untreated wastewater to the Merrimack River.”
The seaside is closed to swimming till additional discover because of the lively discharge, Obika stated.
“This closure is being implemented out of an abundance of caution to protect public health while the discharge is stopped, repairs are completed, and conditions can be fully evaluated,” Obika stated.
The seaside will reopen for swimming as soon as water high quality circumstances are assured to be protected, Obika stated.
“We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as we work with our state and regional partners to monitor this situation, protect public health, and safely reopen the beach as soon as conditions allow,” Obika stated.
Adam Sennott could be reached at adam.sennott@globe.com.