2.1 Million Gallons Of Raw Sewage Leaks Into Mill River

NEW HAVEN, CT — More than 2 millions gallons of raw sewage leaked into the Mill River and Long Island Sound this week, forcing officials to close beaches and shellfishing areas.

All beaches and shellfishing areas in Branford, East Haven, Madison, West Haven and New Haven were closed until further notice.

The Greater New Haven Waste Water Treatment Plant confirmed Wednesday the sewage was "released" into the river.

In a message to residents, the town of Branford said the beach closures will last for 2-3 days depending on water quality tests. The East Shore Health Department posted a notice about the closures on its website.

The conservation group Save the Sound said it learned of the leak Tuesday.

"We received word that a sewer main break was spilling raw sewage into the Mill River below the Whitney Dam in Hamden," the group wrote on Facebook. "The pipe has been fixed, but not before 2 million gallons of raw sewage flowed into the river."

Save the Sound said it is monitoring the situation, and "Soundkeeper Bill Lucey is on the lower Mill River (Wednesday) morning to take water samples."

“Unfortunately due to a leak that was not immediately stopped in New Haven the nearly 2 million gallons of untreated sewage was discharged into the water," East Haven Mayor Joseph A. Carfora said Wednesday. “The beaches unfortunately need to be close for several days to fishing, shell fishing and swimming.”

In Madison, First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons first said the town's health department is "actively monitoring the situation and coordinating with DEEP on testing. If it is determined there is a risk to areas along our shoreline, we will close our beaches immediately and notify the community. " An hour later, Madison closed its beaches.

"The Madison, CT beaches are closed to swimming, fishing and shellfishing as we await testing after a sewage leak in the New Haven area," the town posted on its website.