Officials Work on Response Plan to Nogales Sewer Line Break
NOGALES, Ariz. (AP) – Officials are working on a plan to respond to the flow of untreated wastewater pouring into a southern Arizona wash from a partial break in an international sewage line north of Nogales.
Santa Cruz County officials say the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has personnel on scene to help develop a plan to divert the water, which has tested positive for excessive levels of E. coli.
The breach occurred in a sparsely populated rural area. The pipeline carries wastewater from Nogales, Arizona, and Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, to a treatment plant in Rio Rico.
Authorities believe the break happened because of excessive rainwater that put too much pressure on the pipe.
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey on Thursday declared a state of emergency and allocated $200,000 to help with repair management.
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