Heavy rainfall dumps Holyoke wastewater into Connecticut River

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

Five of Holyoke’s ten combined sewer overflow locations have discharged into the Connecticut River over eight hours. An estimated 1,286,484 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.

On Tuesday, there will be some rain and the chance for a thunderstorm during the morning commute. A few breaks of sun are likely midday. Scattered showers are likely in the afternoon. Keep an eye on the radar if you have outdoor plans on Tuesday. High temperatures will be in the upper 70s to low 80s.

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