June 13, 2006 — The V.I. Waste Management Authority advises the residents of Lyndon B. Johnson Housing Community and surrounding areas that there is currently a sewer force main line break in the vicinity east of Juanita Gardine Elementary School.
At approximately 4 p.m. Monday, a crack was discovered in the 24-inch ductile iron pipeline. The VIWMA has tasked one of its Emergency Task Order contractors to repair the line and return the force main to service in an estimated 48 to 72 hours.
This force main line carries sewage from Christiansted town and surrounding areas to the Figtree Pump Station. While repairs are undertaken, the sewage will be diverted to the bypass line to prevent sewage overflows in the streets of Christiansted and surrounding communities. All sewage spills in the immediate areas of the impacted sewer lines are being treated with disinfectants and deodorizers.
The VIWMA advises all residents with impacted immune systems to avoid the area during this time as the sewage may contain contaminants that will negatively impact one's health. Signs will be posted on the beach reminding persons to avoid the Long Reef and adjacent beach areas until the force main is back in service.
For more information, please contact the VIWMA's Office of Compliance Programs at 773-1290 ext. 2228.
