This temporary pipeline is being used to replace the ruptured pipe in Haverhill that is currently spilling millions of gallons of untreated raw sewage every day into the Merrimack River. Photo: Office of Haverhill Mayor Melinda Barrett
HAVERHILL, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — With a sweltering heat wave ready to take over the region featuring potential record-breaking triple digit temperatures, millions of gallons of raw, untreated sewage continue to spew every day into the Merrimack River.
As of Tuesday, 12 local beaches and several shellfishing beds remain closed.
This environmental and public health crisis happening just days before the July 4 holiday, occurred when a sewage line ruptured in Haverhill last Friday after a storm moved through the area.
While that leak was being investigated on Saturday, a second break was discovered.
In a statement published Monday morning, Haverhill Mayor Melinda Barrett said contractors are working around-the-clock to build an emergency bypass.
The temporary pipeline will be built to connect the South Mill Street Pump Station to the Haverhill Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The effort will include clearing a path for the pipeline and constructing it across a brook that intercepts the route.
Once workers finish building the temporary bypass, it will be inspected before permanent repairs are made.
In her post, the mayor assured residents that the South Mill Pumping Station and the city’s wastewater collection system have not been affected, and that the city’s drinking water is safe.
Mayor Barrett also said the city’s main priorities are to protect public health, eliminate the discharge to the Merrimack River, and restore critical infrastructure as quickly and safely as possible.
Meanwhile, the Mayor of the neighboring City of Newburyport gave an update on the situation that is also impacting his city.
Speaking with WBZ NewsRadio, Mayor Sean Reardon said that the sewer main break has come at an incredibly unfortunate time.
“It’s the 4th of July weekend, so this is a big week for everyone up around the Merrimack Valley, and I think everyone’s going to be affected,” he said. “This is a health crisis and an economic crisis.”
Plum Island, located in Newburyport, Newbury, Ipswich, and Essex, is one of the areas closed due to the sewage leak.
Writing on Facebook, the mayor criticized Haverhill for what he claims to be a lack of direct communication from them.
The mayor also advised residents to avoid contact with the Merrimack River until further notice and promised to keep people updated once new information becomes available.
WBZ NewsRadio has asked Haverhill's Mayor Barrett for a response to Mayor Reardon's comments.
On Tuesday, Rep. Bruce Tarr, who is the Chair of the Regional Task Force on the Merrimack River, along with a group of elected officials, sent a letter to Gov. Maura Healey asking the state for a 'full court press' to resolve the leak and pay for damages.