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Stay Out Of The Water In NE Miami-Dade In Wake Of Sewage Spill

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – A contractor and crew swing into action in an effort to stem the flow of sewage out of a damaged sewer line located at 2500 Northeast 163rd Street Monday.

People are being urged to stay out of the water at Oleta River State Park, Greynolds Park, and beaches to the north and south of the Haulover inlet because of the sewage spill.

Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department said crews are unable to turn off the flow to the 48-inch line that transports wastewater west to the North District Wastewater Treatment Plant because it would impact sewer service to the cities of Sunny Isles Beach, Golden Beach, and the Eastern Shores community of North Miami Beach.

"We were unable to turn off the flow until we are able to create a bypass line because if we were to shut off the water, sewage going out that pipe we would have had overflow in the cities as there would be no waste water removal service," said Jennifer L. Messemer with Miami-Dade County Water and Sewer Department.

Sewage Spill map
Miami-Dade sewage spill map. (Source: CBS4)

Signs have been posted about staying out of the water in the affected area which is bounded by Maule Lake to the north, the Intracoastal to the east, Haulover Inlet to the south, and the mainland to the west.

"They are going to look at the break. Remember it is not a regular sewer line. It is nine feet under water and an additional three feet underground, under water," said Messemer.

Not only should people avoid swimming in the affected areas but also skip fishing and boating in them as well.

Crews are trying to repair the spill as quickly as possible.

"We are going to be working around the clock for 72 hours," said Messemer. "The contractor will be able to complete this temporary fix by Thursday night."

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