Skip to main content

Washington Township sewer line repaired, Public Health Advisory remains in place

Press Release

The ruptured sewer line that was identified near the intersection of Hayes Road and 25 1/2 Mile Road in Washington Township on Tuesday, January 28 has been fully repaired, but based on water tests to identify the presence of E. coli in the Middle Branch of the Clinton River, the public health advisory that was issued on Wednesday, January 29 has been extended through Monday, February 3.

Crews from the Washington Township Department of Public Works and private contractors completed repairs to sewer line Thursday evening and are currently in the process of site clean-up/remediation, and disassembling the temporary sewer line bypass that was used to divert sewage around the site of the rupture. The closure of Hayes Road between 25 Mile and 26 Mile Road remains in effect while crews conduct site clean-up and remediation.

As a result of the extension of the public health advisory, Washington Township residents are advised to:

  • Avoid “pooling” or “ponding” water in the proximity of the site of the leak.

In addition, residents are advised to:

  • Avoid direct contact with the Middle Branch of the Clinton River.
  • If you have contact with human sewage.
    • Wash hands with soap and water immediately after handling human waste or sewage—including:
      • Before eating or drinking.
      • After using the toilet.
    • Avoid touching face, mouth, eyes, nose, or open sores and cuts while handling human waste or sewage.
    • Keep open sores, cuts, and wounds covered with clean, dry bandages.
    • Use waterproof gloves to prevent cuts and contact with human waste or sewage.
    • Do not smoke or chew tobacco or gum while handling human waste or sewage.
    • Gently flush eyes with safe water if human waste or sewage comes into contact with the eyes.
    • Talk to your doctor or nurse about any symptoms of being sick from sewage.
    • Seek appropriate treatment from your doctor if diagnosed with a bacterial or viral illness, or parasite.
    • Keep up to date on all your vaccines (Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, tetanus, polio, typhoid fever).

 

Department:Health
Type:
Press Release