No-Contact Health Advisory Lifted

PUBLIC NOTICE – “No Contact” Health Advisory Lifted:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Three Rivers – The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency (BHSJ CHA) is lifting the No Contact Health Advisory. Residents can again utilize the St. Joseph River for recreational activities.

Officials of the Three Rivers Wastewater Treatment Plant had notified the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency (CHA), that approximately 500,000 gallons of untreated waste water was discharged into the St. Joseph River between Friday at 9:30 p.m. until Saturday at approximately 8:30 a.m. due a force main break near the Broadway Street Bridge. This discharge resulted in BHSJ CHA issuing a “No Contact” Health Advisory for the river from the area downstream of the Broadway Street Bridge through Constantine, MI.

Water samples collected by personnel from the Three Rivers Wastewater Treatment Plant on July 14th and July 17th with results reported to BHSJ CHA on July 15th and July 18th show that the water in the St. Joseph River now contains levels of fecal coliform generally expected to be present.

Coliform is a naturally occurring bacteria that is found in all bodies of surface water all the time. You can prevent illness from exposure to coliform by bathing and washing all clothing that touched the water, when you complete your activities for the day. Avoid ingesting the water from lakes, ponds, rivers and streams to prevent stomach illnesses. Younger children and seniors are at greatest risk for illness. If you develop symptoms of upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, or fever, contact your health care provider or local urgent care.

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency is committed to promoting wellness, preventing disease, providing health care, and protecting the environment. For more information, contact your local office, visit www.bhsj.org, follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/BHSJCHA or Instagram www.instagram.com/bhsj_healthagency.

Public Notice (PDF)

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Contact: Rebecca Burns, Health Officer
517-279-9561 ext. 148
Paul Andriacchi, Director of Environmental Health Services
517-279-9561 ext. 229

Posted: July 18, 2023 (Source)

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Prepared by: Kris Dewey, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator & Public Information Officer
Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency
570 N. Marshall Rd. Coldwater, MI 49036
Main Office: (517) 279-9561 ext. 120

Local Office: St. Joseph Community Health Agency – St. Joseph County
1110 Hill St. Three Rivers, MI 49093
(269) 273-2161

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St. Joseph Community Health Agency – Other offices: