THREE RIVERS, MI (WNWN/WTVB) – For the second time this month, there has been a discharge of untreated wastewater into the St. Joseph River at Three Rivers.
Officials of the Three Rivers Wastewater Treatment Plant have notified the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency an estimated 20,000 gallons of untreated wastewater was discharged into the St. Joe on Wednesday night.
The issue was identified at 9:30 p.m. and resolved two hours later.
According to a news release from the health agency, Wednesday night’s heavy rains overwhelmed the pumps that are directing waste to the plant. The pumps are being used as the City of Three Rivers continues to complete repairs to the force main break which occurred earlier this month.
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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