On Friday the Dept of Health announced that over the previous 7 days they had to close Byram Beach for swimming as a result of high bacteria counts which persisted without the influence of recognized amounts of rainfall which routinely closes the beach water for swimming.
According to their press release, the Dept of Health launched an investigation of an unknown source of contamination.
As part of the investigation, water samples were taken at several locations on Tom’s Brook which flows from Holly Hill Lane though the transfer station and discharges into Long Island Sound just north of Byram Beach.
The Department of Health’s Laboratory analyzed these samples for Coliform bacteria and the results indicated excessive bacteria loads at several locations.
The Dept of Health notified the Town’s Sewer Dept and the Dept of Park & Recreation of its findings.
The Sewer Dept assisted with locating town sewer lines in the area and dye tested many of them which were all found to be in good working condition.
The Department of Health than began dye test various private buildings in the area.
On Thursday, August 15, 2024 a positive dye test was noted in Tom’s Brook and Long Island Sound. The private sewer line lateral of Bimbo Bakeries, USA at 10 Hamilton Avenue, Greenwich had apparently broken underground and was leaking and making its way into Tom’s Brook, which surfaces eventually into Long Island Sound.
The Health Department is working with Bimbo Bakeries, USA and the Town’s Sewer Department to repair the sewer line as quickly as possible.
It is believed that this private sewer line break occurred recently based upon the sampling data analysis of Byram Beach bathing water over the course of 10 days.
The quick response of all Town Departments which includes the Department’s Laboratory daily analysis of samples lead to the finding of this problem promptly.
Byram Beach will remain closed for swimming until the private sewer line repair is made and approved by the Town’s Sewer Department. Byram Park will be open along with the swimming pool.