A broken sewer line has forced the closure of two west end beaches – Frederiksted and Dorsch – until further notice, the V.I. Waste Management Authority reported Wednesday.
A force main break adjacent to the Lagoon Street Pump Station was discovered Wednesday afternoon, according to an announcement from WMA’s Stella Saunders. The break is about 500 feet south of the station, in the gut adjacent to the St. Patrick’s School playground.
The authority’s task order contractor began repairs Wednesday. During the excavation and repair period, the flow will be directed into the lower portion of the gut, and the mouth of the gut on the Frederiksted Beach will be opened to allow for the release of the flow.
The Frederiksted and Dorsch Beaches will be closed until further notice and signs have been posted accordingly, Saunders said. The Department of Tourism has been notified and will inform cruise ship visitors of the beach closures and alternate beach choices.
The two Frederiksted beaches will remain closed until the water quality is tested by the authority and the beaches are deemed safe for use.
More information is available by calling Saunders at the WMA Office of Communications Management at 340-715-9110 or 340-690-4218.
