Raw sewage leak closes Wellington Avenue indefinitely

By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY

VENTNOR - Wellington Avenue has been closed indefinitely and a health advisory issued for pedestrians and bicyclists to avoid the area and for residents to conserve water.

A break in the main sewer line caused raw sewage to flood Wellington Avenue and adjacent streets. The sewer line break has no impact on the quality of drinking water. However, efforts to conserve water by the residents of Ventnor, Margate and Longport will minimize the amount of wastewater that would be conveyed through the area where the leak is located. 

The roadway remains closed from Dorset to Victoria Avenue. Detours are in place to access Ventnor Plaza shopping center.

The Ventnor City Office of Emergency Management notified residents shortly after 9 p.m. Sunday using the city's reverse 911 system that vehicle, pedestrians and bicycle traffic is strictly prohibited.

"This is raw sewage, do not travel through it," the message stated.

ACUA's contractor in charge of the repair is on site to assess the situation and initiate repair work.
They roadway will remain closed until repairs are completed.

According to the ACUA, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection was notified immediately and local health departments and the office of emergency management have been notified.

Water testing may be conducted as a precaution near the leak and if recreation activities in nearby waterways should be temporarily suspended, notification will be posted.