Frederiksted Beach remained closed Thursday due to a nearby broken sewer main, but Dorsch Beach has been reopened and there is no threat to swimmers there, the V.I. Waste Management Authority said Thursday in updating the breakdown near the Lagoon Street Pump Station in Frederiksted.
A broken force main was discovered Wednesday afternoon about 500 feet south of the station in the gut adjacent to the St. Patrick’s School playground. The authority’s contractor began repairs Wednesday.
During the excavation and repair, the sewage flow has been directed into the lower portion of the gut.
Beach closure signs have been placed at Frederiksted Beach as a precautionary measure. The signs were removed from Dorsch.
According to a statement Thursday by WMA spokeswoman Stella Saunders, no wastewater is being discharged into the Frederiksted Beach. Instead the flow is being diverted into the adjacent gut and the authority has received permission from the Department of Planning and Natural Resources’ Division of Coastal Zone Management to reinforce the existing berm at the mouth of the gut which prevents the flow from entering the beach area and the ocean.
Waste Management will continue to maintain the existing berm and apply odor suppressant to lessen the impact on the surrounding area.
Excavation has been performed and workers have begun repairing the broken force main sewer line.
Frederiksted Beach will remain closed until the water quality is tested by WMA and the beach is deemed safe for use.
