South Airport Road has been completely closed to westbound traffic as of Tuesday afternoon between Park Drive and Cass Road near Logan's Landing due to a sewer force main break. One eastbound lane of traffic is open, but the Grand Traverse County Road Commission is asking drivers to avoid the area if possible.

The GT County Department of Public Works, GT Metro Fire, GT Road Commission, GT Sheriff's Office, and GT Emergency Management responded to the scene. "Upon arrival, an active sewer main overflow was observed on South Airport Road moving westbound into the Boardman River," according to a DPW release.

"Immediate action is being taken to reduce, manage, divert, and collect the flow. This portion of the collection system carries 200,000 gallons of untreated sewage daily," the release states. "EGLE, GT Environmental Health, and other relevant agencies have been notified. Further updates including spill totals will be provided when known and as the situation stabilizes." 

Drivers reported seeing liquid that smelled like sewage bubbling up through the asphalt. An anticipated timeline for repairs was not immediately available. Following the sewer break, the Grand Traverse County Health Department (GTCHD) issued a Level 4 no-body contact advisory for Boardman Lake and the Boardman River from the lake downstream to East Grandview Parkway. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to avoid all body contact with water in the affected areas - including swimming, wading, and paddling - until further notice.

Note: This story has been updated to reflect new information shared by DPW about sewage release into the Boardman and a no-contact advisory for Boardman Lake/River.