1 Million Gallons Of Sewage Leaks Into Nantucket Harbor

One million gallons of sewerage has been leaked into Nantucket Harbor due to a break in a 20-inch main, closing nearby restaurants and a street near the island's downtown.

The main, located on South Beach Street, failed in a three or four places, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency said in a report. Restaurants located near the break have been ordered to close until they are inspected. South Beach Street has also been closed and is in danger of failing, MEMA said.

The National Guard is flying nine workers to the island and state officials are coordinating an "emergency Dig Safe work ticket" to have the site marked for excavation.

"As such, crews cannot break ground until Dig Safe marks the area in detail. Currently, no work is being performed, due to waiting for Dig Safe and on-going efforts to get work crews from Hyannis to the Island," MEMA said.

Reporting from The State House News Service was used in this story

In this Thursday June 18, 2015 photo, Nantucket's Sankaty Head Light is bathed in late afternoon sunshine on Nantucket island. Visitors who venture to the village of Siasconset on the easternmost part of the island are rewarded with stunning views of the lighthouse and the Atlantic. (AP Photo/William J. Kole)