Holyoke wastewater discharged into Connecticut River due to heavy rainfall

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) – Due to the recent heavy rain, Holyoke has issued a public advisory to avoid contact with the Connecticut River for the next 48 hours.

An estimated 419,050 gallons have been released into the river. The discharge of rainwater, untreated sewage, or partially treated sewage is still active at this time. The affected communities at this time are Springfield, West Springfield, Agawam, Longmeadow, Chicopee, and South Hadley.

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. This includes swimming, fishing, and boating, for 48 hours after the discharge has stopped due to increased health risks from bacteria and other pollutants.

Sunday is looking like a bright, breezy, cool day. Skies will be mostly sunny with highs in the mid to upper 60s. Skies will be mostly clear Sunday night and it will be a cool night with lows in the mid-40s.

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