A break in the LBJ Force Main sewage line caused an overflow near the John F. Kennedy Housing Community on Tuesday morning and the V.I. Waste Management Authority is working to repair the damage, the agency announced.
Residents should avoid the beaches in the Condo Row area until the repairs are completed and the beaches are deemed safe by the Department of Planning and Natural Resources, WMA said. People with impacted immune systems are especially advised to avoid the beaches during this time as the sewage may contain unhealthy contaminants.
Notices will be posted at the affected beaches to alert the public.
The WMA was notified of the sewage overflow at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday,
Corrective measures began immediately, according to the agency, and emergency contractor O’Reilly Construction evaluated and repaired the broken force main. At 10 a.m., the LBJ pump station’s house pumps were taken offline to eliminate wastewater flow in the impacted area and to clear the line of wastewater to facilitate the emergency repair work.
While the pumps are off-line, sewage will bypass through the sewer interceptors in the adjacent area. The Waste Management Authority will disinfect the impacted area to minimize risks to the public.
Further information can be obtained by contacting WMA Acting Wastewater Director Ann Hanley at 712-4955 or 712-4986.
