Sewage Spill in Housatonic River| 02:36PM / Tuesday, September 13, 2022 | |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The public is asked to avoid contact with the Housatonic River for about two days after an untreated water spill at the treatment plant.
A notice was sent out through the city's CodeRED alert system this morning after a discharge of untreated wastewater was discovered at the Waste Water Treatment Plant on Holmes Road.
The discharge was caused by "biologically digested sludge overflow" from the blend tank because of a failed pump shutdown. It began at about 5:30 a.m. on Tuesday and stopped at 6:45 a.m.
The estimated discharge duration was an hour and 15 minutes and at the time of the notification, the discharge volume was unknown. Possible waterbodies affected included the Housatonic River.
This overflow consisted of untreated or partially treated sewage and waste. Residents are asked to avoid contact with the water body for 48 hours after the discharge or overflow is stopped due to increased health risks from bacteria and other pollutants.
It was noted that this does not impact drinking water.
This notification and future updates are posted on the Pittsfield Department of Public Utilities
website.
To receive alerts related to the discharge of untreated wastewater from the city of
Pittsfield's CodeRED, go here.
The Pittsfield Wastewater Division operates and maintains the Wastewater Treatment Plant and Sanitary Sewer System. The Wastewater Division is located at 901 Holmes Road. Contact: 413-499-9304.
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