Update on Brazil Street Sewer Blockage

Earlier today information was provided about a situation on Brazil Street that occurred after a major blockage in a sewer line was discovered yesterday. The primary focus for City officials remains on the residents of the four impacted properties.

Now that the City has confirmed that any impacted residents have relocated to alternative accommodations, the following update is being provided:

On Thursday morning, the Department of Public Works was called to Brazil Street about a potential water issue. A DPW crew responded immediately and began the process of checking the area manholes to determine where the problem was. Once the area of the blockage was determined, equipment was brought in to address the situation. In working to resolve the blockage, DPW staff followed the Department’s normal protocol and proceeded to jet the block in the line in order to restore flow. At some point during that process, sewerage surcharged back into four properties on Brazil Street. The City is conducting an independent review by an outside engineering firm to determine possible causes for this blockage and the ensuing surcharges.

DPW staff were on Brazil Street for most of the day yesterday. While staff was on site, several actions were taken including bringing in an outside vendor. The outside vendor performed a video inspection of the line to examine the structural integrity of the pipe, to aid in the restoration of the integrity of the pipe going forward, and to ensure that other properties were not going to be impacted. At the same time, the DPW Operations Manager and emergency officials proceeded to try to locate residents who were not home and, working with the Melrose Police Department, entered properties to gain access to affected areas in an effort to identify and minimize damage.

Restoration companies arrived on site to review and begin remediating the damage. These companies began to work directly with the occupants of the four impacted properties. Early this morning, the Building Inspector, Health Director, and a health inspector met with residents to assess the damage and deemed the properties uninhabitable. They also provided guidance on next steps and will be in communication with the homeowners and tenants throughout this process.

Unfortunately, the damage to the homes involved is extensive and could take days or weeks to repair. City officials will continue to monitor the situation, and remain in contact with the impacted residents. At this time, the cause of this blockage and the ensuing damage remains under investigation.