FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 5, 2018 CATASTROPHIC SEWER LINE FAILURE INTERSECTION OF S. BEACH AND BROAD STREETS
At 8:14PM on 1/4/18 the Town was notified of a sewer break at the intersection of S. Beach Street at Broad Street. Upon inspection by the Sewer Department it was discovered that there is a catastrophic failure of the sewer force main on S. Beach Street. Discharge of untreated sewage into the harbor is ongoing at this time, however the sewer system is still functioning island-wide. The cause of this break is still undetermined. State and federal agencies were immediately notified of the situation and Town departments have been on site working around the clock with local and state partners to contain and resolve the situation expeditiously. Once the break is repaired, appropriate clean up actions will be taken in consultation with the Department of Public Health, Department of Environmental Protection, and Division of Marine Fisheries. The following streets will remain closed to pedestrian and vehicle traffic until further notice: Easy Street, Cambridge Street, Oak Street, S. Beach Street, S. Beach Extension, Still Dock, Whalers Lane, and Sea Street. S. Beach Street is blocked at Easton Street. Harbor View Way remains open with access via Easton Street but exiting traffic to Easton Street only. Access to the Steamship Authority is limited until they resume service. Two-way traffic is established on S. Water Street from the American Legion on Washington Street to Broad Street. No parking along S. Water Street and Washington Street until further notice. The Town is requesting the public to avoid these areas to allow workers to fix the situation. Regular updates will be forthcoming. Point of contact is Roberto Santamaria, Director of Public Health 228-7200 x-7009
