HAVERHILL, Mass. — State health officials say bacteria levels along the Merrimack River have returned to safe levels, more than two weeks after a massive sewage spill sent millions of gallons of wastewater into the river and forced widespread beach closures.
Officials have reopened all beaches that were closed because of the contamination, and several shellfish harvesting areas resumed operations last week after water quality testing showed conditions had improved.
The spill happened on June 27 when torrential rainfall overwhelmed Haverhill’s wastewater system and contributed to a break in a 42-inch sewer force main near the city’s main pumping station.
The contamination prompted the closure of numerous beaches downstream, including all public beaches in Ipswich, as elevated bacteria levels posed potential health risks to swimmers and shellfish beds.
On July 1, Haverhill Mayor Melinda Barrett announced that the wastewater discharge had ended after emergency crews completed temporary repairs and stopped the flow into the river.
City officials are now investigating what caused the sewer main failure while developing plans for permanent repairs to the aging infrastructure.
The incident has also renewed calls for investment in water systems across Massachusetts. Members of the state’s congressional delegation are urging Congress to provide additional federal funding to modernize aging water and wastewater infrastructure, saying upgrades are needed to reduce the risk of future sewer failures and sewage spills.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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