HARTFORD, Conn. — After reports of raw sewage floating in the Connecticut River , state lawmakers are now pushing for federal involvement to address long-standing issues with overflows from surrounding states.

Nearly a month ago, video surfaced of what appears to be toilet paper and human waste floating in the Connecticut River near Suffield.

State Rep. Tami Zawistowski, whose office received the video, said the problem is far from new and recent data from upstream cities in Massachusetts is renewing urgency.

According to Zawistowski, combined sewer overflows from Massachusetts cities like Springfield, Holyoke and Chicopee have continued to send millions of gallons of sewage into the river.

“In 2025, Springfield was 301 million gallons plus into the river. Holyoke was 112 million gal

See Full Page