Buckeye Brook Coalition: Sewage Discharged Near Cedar Swamp Road

WARWICK, RI — Sewage discharged from a broken pipe has resulted in a late-night warning from the Buckeye Brook Coalition for the public to avoid water recreation or contact with water in Buckeye Brook from Cedar Swamp Road to areas downstream, including Buckeye Brook, Mill Creek, and Conimicut Point.

The broken pipe resulted in a sewage discharge near Cedar Swamp Road in Warwick, according to the Coalition

The RI Department of Environmental Management and the RI Department Of Health have taken water samples.  Lab results for harmful bacteria levels are pending.  Once the lab results are completed, the Department of Health is expected to issue a formal notice, reported Michael D. Zarum, President and Chair of the Buckeye Brook Coalition.

Until further notice the Buckeye Brook Coalition suggests that all recreation in these areas, including swimming, fishing, boating, and kayaking, should be avoided.  People also should not ingest water or eat fish/shellfish from these areas.  Pets can also be affected by exposure to the high bacteria levels and thus owners should not allow pets to drink or swim in the aforementioned waterways, Zarum noted.