THREE RIVERS, MI (WTVB) – For the second time this month, there has been a discharge of untreated wastewater into the St. Joseph River at Three Rivers.
Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency Health Officer Rebecca Burns told the Board of Health on Thursday that they were notified by officials of the Three Rivers Wastewater Treatment Plant of a estimated 20,000 gallons of untreated wastewater that was discharged into the river during Wednesday night’s heavy rainfall.
The pumps that were overwhelmed by the heavy rains were directing waste to the plant. They were being used as the City of Three Rivers continues to complete repairs to the force main break which occurred on July 7.
Persons are advised to avoid any body contact with the St. Joseph River from the Broadway Street Bridge to the Withers Road Bridge. This advisory includes any type of body contact with the river for recreational activities.
It is also advised to keep animals out of the water. The advisory is in effect until water samples from the river have been analyzed and demonstrate that coliform levels are back at normally expected amounts.
Anyone having contact with the river after 9:30 p.m. Wednesday is advised to take a shower and wash any clothing that was in contact with the river. Pets should also be bathed if they were in contact with the water.
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