BERLIN, New Hampshire — Sewage is leaking into the Androscoggin River in New Hampshire, and city officials say they're working to find a solution as soon as possible.
According to a news release from the city of Berlin, the Watson Street Pump Station and force sewer drain that runs under the Androscoggin River had sustained damage during a severe rain event on Dec. 18, allowing untreated sewage to leak into the river.
City officials said "the combination of rapidly rising groundwater and extraordinary flows into the sewer collection system" caused the damage and subsequent leak, which was still going on as of Friday afternoon.
The public is advised against recreationally accessing the river until repairs are complete.
The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services and the Environmental Protection Agency were notified of the incident.
The city of Berlin is reportedly working with Wright-Pierce, an engineering firm, and contractors "to eliminate the sewer discharge as soon as possible." No estimated repair time has been determined, and weather conditions are complicating the work, city officials said.
The Watson Street station reportedly handles all sewage collected in Berlin.
Updates will be made as soon as they are available, according to city officials.