Sewage Discharge Into Mill River
Amherst's wastewater treatment facility. Photo: amherstma.gov
Public Health Warning Has Ended
Source: Amherst Department of Public Works
A sanitary sewer discharge/overflow occurred on September 29 at 5:45 p.m. at the Amherst Waste Water Treatment Facility at 100 Mullins Way, Hadley MA, and flowed into the Mill River East of Route 116 in Hadley. The discharge/overflow ceased on September 29, 2023 at 7:10 p.m. Approximately 500,000 to 750,000 gallons of sanitary sewage discharged/oveflowed during the event. This discharge did not impact the safety of Amherst’s drinking water.
The discharge/overflow consisted of untreated sewage and waste. The town recommends that the public avoid contact with the affected water body for at least 48 hours after the discharge/overflow ceases due to increased health risks from bacteria and other pollutants.
See the town website at www.amherstma.gov for further information on whether specific resource areas, such as bathing beaches, are affected.