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HomeNewsArchivesSEWER LINE REPTURE CAUSES CONTAMINATION

SEWER LINE REPTURE CAUSES CONTAMINATION

July 26, 2001 – The public is strongly cautioned to avoid contact with water of any kind in the area of the Ralph deChabert Housing Community and the Water and Power Authority Richmond facility, due to contamination from a ruptured sewer line in the area.
A release late Thursday afternoon from the Department of Planning and Natural Resources warned residents and anyone in the vicinity of the Richmond shoreline to avoid areas of storm water runoff, such as guts, puddles and drainage basins. The notice included a warning not to fish or swim in the waters between the Christiansted Wharf and Golden Rock until the sewer line was fixed and the health advisory was lifted.
"As a result of an increased concentration of bacteria due to the discharge, there may be an increased health risk to anyone swimming in these areas," the release, signed by DPNR Commissioner Dean Plaskett, said.
Persons with immune system problems were advised to avoid the contaminated areas altogether.
Plaskett said DPNR would continue to monitor the contamination and keep the public updated on the water quality.
For further information, call the DPNR Division of Environmental Protection at 773-0565.

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