KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) — Over half a million gallons of partially-treated sewage spilled into the Kalamazoo River due to a systems failure at the Kalamazoo Water Treatment Plant on Harrison.
Utilities Director James Baker said the heavy rainfall provided the water, and malfunctioning equipment and alarm failures allowed it to leave the plant before final chlorination.
The spill began at about 1 a.m. Tuesday and continued for the next seven hours.
Corrective action was taken as soon as it was discovered, but by then 572,000 gallons had entered the river.
Health officials say residents should avoid contact with the water in the Kalamazoo River from the Paterson Street bridge to the D Avenue bridge.
All swimming, wading, fishing, canoeing and kayaking should cease. In fact, it would be a good idea to avoid the area and keep pets and children away until the area is assessed and remediated.
The advisories will remain in effect until testing confirms that the risk is minimal.
