August 7, 2006 – The V.I. Waste Management Authority advises residents of the Frederiksted area that a sewer force main line break on Friday has resulted in raw sewage flowing into the waters adjacent to the Frederiksted public beach.
After an initial investigation into the failure of the Lagoon Street Pump Station, repairs began Saturday, according to Department of Planning and Natural Resources Commissioner Dean C. Plaskett, who said that repairs had been completed on Monday.
While under repair, the sewage was diverted to an adjacent manhole and in Pan Gut, which slows into the Frederiksted Beach. All sewage spills in the impacted area were treated with disinfectants.
The repairs were completed by 12:30 p.m. Monday and the Lagoon Street Pump Station returned to normal operations by 1:30, according to a release from DPNR and the Division of Environmental Protection.
The Waste Management Authority advises all residents with weakened immune systems to avoid the Frederiksted Beach and adjacent areas as the sewage may contain contaminants that will negatively impact one's health.
DPNR will continue to monitor the impacted area and waters, and will update the public as necessary.
Signs have been posted to avoid the Frederiksted beach and pier and other adjacent beach areas until further notice.
For more information, please contact the WMA's Office of Compliance Programs at 773-1290 ext. 2228, or the Division of Environmental Protection at 773-1082.
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