Long Island residents living near Port Jefferson Harbor were warned by officials to stay away from the water, and to not even have dogs walk along the shore line. That’s because of a huge sewage spill into the harbor meant high levels of bacteria and viruses were floating around. NBC New York’s Pei-Sze Cheng reports.
If you find yourself considering some type of water activity at Port Jefferson Harbor Tuesday -- or even eating shellfish from there -- rethink your plans.
The Suffolk County Department of Health Services issued a water warning following reports of an accidental discharge of thousands of gallons of partially treated sewage after a malfunction on one of the UV disinfection units.
Because the discharge reached surface waters, there is potential for elevated levels of pathogenic organisms to be present in this area. Health officials say corrective actions to mitigate the discharge have been completed.
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WATCH HEREThe New York Department of Environmental Conservation said the spill impacted 1,600 acres of shellfish beds, and said shell fishing will be closed until further notice due to the increased risk. Environmental advocates were concerned not only about the water quality, but also the wildlife.
"It’s spring, there’s spawning. Spawning of fin fish, such as winter flounder, are spawning and also the time horseshoe crabs are coming back to the harbors," said Adrienne Esposito, of the Citizens Campaign for the Environment.
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SIGN UP People were advised to avoid contact with the water until 9 a.m. Wednesday.
Keep children and pets away from the area, officials say. If contact does occur, rinse off the affected area with clean water immediately. Seek medical attention if after exposure you experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin, eye or throat irritation, allergic reactions, or breathing difficulties.
