March 6, 2009 – LBJ Force Main Repairs Update: the VI Waste Management Authority (VIWMA) updates the residents of the John F. Kennedy Housing Community and motorists of the status of the repairs to the Force Main. The replacement of the 260-feet of sewer pipe was completed on Thursday morning; the bypassing over Long Reef ceased at 8:30 a.m., and the system was put back online at 9 a.m. The repairs to the sewer-line system were tested during the day and a leak in a joint was discovered on Monday afternoon; therefore, by-passing resumed during the late afternoon so that repairs to the leak could be addressed.
A leak was discovered in one of the eight joints that was part of the replacement of the 260-feet of sewer line. Work to repair the leak commenced on Friday morning, but was suspended due to the inclement weather. Work to the leak will resume once the weather clears. It is anticipated that work will be completed within 24 hours.
The VIWMA advises all residents with impacted immune systems to avoid the area during this time as the sewage may contain contaminants that will negatively impact one's health. Signs will be posted on the beach reminding persons to avoid the Long Reef and adjacent beach areas until the force main is back in service.
For more information, contact the Office of Communications Management at 712-4950/4951.
