Photo: WBZ NewsRadio Archive
HAVERHILL, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — The temporary bypass that is stopping millions of gallons of sewage from flowing into the Merrimack River is complete, according to a state representative for Haverhill and the mayor.
On his Facebook, Rep. Andy Vargas said the bypass is "fully operational." In a statement, Haverhill Mayor Melinda Barrett said the sewage is now going to the Haverhill Wastewater Treatment Plant.
"This critical step helps stop the discharge and protect our river, our neighbors downstream and public health," said Vargas on Facebook.
Vargas said water quality testing will be done at beaches and the river in the coming days to see when they can reopen.
"This is a major milestone in the emergency response," said Barrett in a statement. "Stopping the discharge into the Merrimack River has been our highest priority since this incident began."
The discharge of sewage had caused beaches across the North Shore to be closed during an extreme heat wave. It all started last week when a sewage line ruptured in Haverhill during a rainstorm, sending the sewage into the river.