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Gallons of sewage spill into Clinton River; Macomb County issues public health advisory

Macomb County issues public health emergency after sewage pipe breaks
Macomb County issues public health emergency after sewage pipe breaks 02:04

MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) - The Macomb County Health Department issued a public health advisory through Feb. 3 after sewage leaked in Washington Township and into the Middle Branch Clinton River.

Officials located a damaged sewer main at the intersection of Hayes and 25 1/2 Mile roads in Washington Township and discovered that about 21,000 gallons of sewage were flowing into the river in Macomb Township "on an hourly basis," according to a news release.

"Crews are currently assessing the situation and are actively working to alleviate the impact of the leak. Current plans call for the development of a bypass that re-route sewage around the leak to be completed by Thursday, January 30. After the bypass is established, longer-term solutions will be established and activated," the county said.

Washington Township residents are advised to conserve household water through Friday and avoid pooling or ponding water. 

Both Washington Township and Macomb Township residents should avoid direct contact with the river's middle branch for at least 72 hours and wash their hands immediately if they come in contact with human sewage.

Macomb Township says Hayes Road between 25 Mile and 26 Mile was closed but it has since reopened.

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