Holyoke wastewater discharged into Connecticut River due to rainfall

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) – The rainfall in western Massachusetts on Monday has led to a sewage discharge in several areas in Holyoke along the Connecticut River.

Eight of Holyoke’s ten combined sewer overflow locations have discharged into the Connecticut River. An estimated 6,542,156 gallons have been released into the river. The discharge of rainwater, untreated sewage, or partially treated sewage has stopped at this time.

The city has already taken steps in recent years to address discharging pollutants from combined sewer overflow into the Connecticut River which is a violation of federal and state wastewater discharge permits. A plan is in the works to separate wastewater and rainwater drainage systems as well as eliminate the Jackson Street combined sewer overflow.

The public is advised to avoid the water in communities bordering the Connecticut River, South Hadley, and Chicopee. This includes swimming, fishing, and boating, for 48 hours after the discharge has stopped due to increased health risks from bacteria and other pollutants.

Showers and thunderstorms are likely again Tuesday with some storms becoming strong to severe. The main timeframe for these showers and storms will be between 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. but the best threat for severe weather will be between 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The main threat with these storms is strong winds and small hail.

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