NEWS

Sheboygan sewage leaks into Lake Michigan

Jason Smathers
USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

A sewage leak from a decades-old pipe near Lake Michigan is responsible for a slightly chaotic scene on the north side of Sheboygan's lakefront Friday night.

According to Director of Public Works Dave Biebel, city crews noticed a leak in a 16-inch sewer line near the pump house on 3rd Street Thursday while doing routine maintenance. Biebel said the leak in question happened to a pipe installed in the 1930s and likely wore away concrete blocks beneath it causing a leak spot.

The city did contact the Department of Natural Resources and water utility to inform them of the leak, as well as posting notices on the beach for any rogue surfers this time of year. While Biebel did say that pump house handles a good deal of sewage bound for the treatment plant, he added that there isn't enough erosion on the embankment near the pipe to suggest it was leaking more than a day.

Decades-old sewerage pipe failure leaks into Lake MIchigan

Biebel said the city is working to repair the leak now and should have a temporary solution in place by sometime Saturday afternoon. Until then, sewage is being rerouted to other manholes nearby. Residents in the area may notice the long sewer hoses lining parts of 3rd and 5th Streets to accomplish that goal. Signs have been set up around the hose and pump station blocking off streets to vehicles, though they run through a residential area that makes it hard for locals to avoid.

The city will then work on a more permanent  solution to prevent future leaks in the next month or two.