About 2 million gallons of raw sewage could be discharged into the Hudson River while a pipeline in suburban New York is repaired.

Westchester County health officials say people should avoid contact with the water on Sunday. Work on the major trunk sewer line in Yonkers is scheduled from midnight to 4 a.m.

Health officials say a gasket on the line north of the Yonkers Joint Wastewater Treatment Plant needs to be replaced to stanch a minor leak.

Hudson River Sloop Clearwater Environmental Director Manna Jo Greene says the sewage will have an impact on aquatic life.

Deputy Commissioner for Environmental Health Lenny Meyerson says the sewage is filtered to clear solids and chlorinated before it’s released into the water.

County officials said the work should be done before sunrise on Sunday, and that only direct contact with the water is discouraged for the day. After that, they maintain, the sewage will dissipate into the river’s tides and currents.

(YWN Desk – NYC / 1010WINS)