Sewage pumped in Detroit-area river after sinkhole forms

Officials say crews have begun pumping sewage into a Detroit-area river to prevent flooding after a sinkhole forced people from their homes and closed roads.

Clinton Township Supervisor Bob Cannon told WWJ-AM on Monday that the Clinton River discharge was necessary, though officials hoped to avoid it.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Officials say the sinkhole, which formed Saturday in neighboring Fraser, is 250 feet long and 100 feet wide — larger than one in 2004 that caused a section of roadway to cave in.

READ MORE: Texas sheriff’s deputy killed after driving into sinkhole

People in about two dozen homes have been evacuated. Consulting engineer Scott Lockwood says they aim to get to residents back in homes within two weeks, but three homes are considered unsafe.

Mayor Joseph Nichols, who declared a state of emergency, told residents the goal is to get answers.