Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Mobilizes Response to Merrimack Sewer Overflow

Boston — The Healey-Driscoll Administration has launched a coordinated, whole-of-government response to the sanitary sewer overflow in the City of Haverhill, bringing together state and local officials to stop the wastewater discharge into the Merrimack River, protect public health and restore access to beaches and shellfish areas.

The ongoing overflow resulted from the failure of the force main associated with the South Mill Street Pump station and is releasing approximately 8 million gallons of wastewater on a daily basis into the Merrimack River, prompting temporary beach and shellfish closures in surrounding communities. 

“Protecting public health is our top priority, and I've directed our agencies to work closely with the City of Haverhill to resolve this issue as quickly as possible,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We will continue moving with urgency to safely reopen these beaches and waterways during this important holiday week and expected heat wave.”

"We know these closures come at a particularly difficult time as families look to the water to cool off during this period of extreme heat," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "Our teams are working to help stop the overflow, monitor water quality, and safely reopen impacted beaches and shellfish areas as soon as testing shows conditions are safe."

Stopping Wastewater Discharge

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is working closely with the City of Haverhill to stop the wastewater discharge as quickly as possible. The agency has coordinated with the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) to lend expertise to the City.

MassDEP continues to provide technical assistance and oversight throughout the emergency response and will monitor progress.

Water Quality Monitoring

The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is conducting water quality testing Tuesday at Salisbury Beach and Sandy Point State Reservation and will evaluate the need for further testing on an ongoing basis. These beaches will remain temporarily closed until testing confirms the water is safe for swimming in accordance with Department of Public Health (DPH) standards. Check DCR’s Park Alerts Site for the most up-to-date information on the water quality at the beaches.

DPH is also supporting local public health officials in responding to constituent concerns and helping monitor water quality at public beaches in the area.

Protecting Shellfish Resources

The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) has issued an emergency closure of shellfish growing areas, affecting waters in Gloucester, Newburyport, Essex, Ipswich, Newbury, Rockport, Rowley, and Salisbury. The closure will remain in effect until water quality and shellfish testing demonstrate the areas meet public health standards.

Shellfish are filter feeders and can rapidly accumulate bacteria and other contaminants from the surrounding water, making temporary closures a critical public health measure following wastewater discharges. DMF routinely monitors shellfish growing areas statewide to ensure harvested shellfish are safe for consumption and will continue working to reopen affected areas as soon as testing confirms they meet public health standards.

Shellfish growing area boundaries are mapped on the website at Shellfish classification areas | Mass.gov.

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