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New Hampshire beaches tested after more than 8 million gallons of sewage spills into Merrimack River

New Hampshire beaches tested after more than 8 million gallons of sewage spills into Merrimack River

Beachgoers depart Hampton Beach, Tuesday July 12, 2022 after an emergency siren was inadvertently activated in Hampton, N.H. New Hampshire homeland security officials said Tuesday that a siren was inadvertently activated at the Seabrook Nuclear Power Station, and that there is no emergency and no danger to the public. Photo: Associated Press/AP Photo/Wilson Ring


MANCHESTER, N.H.-New Hampshire Environmental officials say they’re awaiting the results of water tests for both Hampton and Seabrook beaches over concerns of contamination after a sewage line in ruptured in Haverhill Massachusetts and led to officials in the Bay State closing Salisbury and several other beaches.

Officials have confirmed that an estimated 8 million gallons of sewage has made its way into water ways after spilling into the Merrimack River this past Friday but note that crews are currently working on a temporary emergency bypass line to the Haverhill Wastewater Treatment Plant and that crews are working nonstop to until the bypass system is fully operational.

The growing concern over bacteria levels in New Hampshire waters comes as hot, humid weather and the approaching Independence Day holiday is expected to draw large crowds to New Hampshire’s shoreline.

Environmental officials say they should have the results of the test by Tuesday.

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