Rapid snowmelt causing problems along the Chequamegon Bay

ASHLAND / BAYFIELD – The rapid snowmelt in the area continues to cause problems, the City of Ashland reports sewage released into Chequamegon Bay, and as of yesterday, Washburn City Administrator Scott Kluver said their wastewater treatment storage basin is just below overflow level. The Ashland Daily Press reports Kluver said city crews would continue to monitor the treatment plant and issue alerts if necessary. In both Ashland and Washburn, aging leaky sewer pipes are to blame, with snowmelt flowing into the pipes rather than bypassing the plant and running directly in Chequamegon Bay. Highway 13 between Port Wing in Bayfield County and the Douglas County line, and around the Tyler Forks River in Ashland County, has been reported to be underwater and closed in some areas. The City of Ashland reports at least 10 million gallons of sewage have overflowed into Chequamegon Bay so far. Water Utility Supervisor Brian Ledin says the city won’t know how much wastewater has flowed into the Bay until the snowmelt stops.