Raw Sewer Discharge Prompts Suffolk Health Warning For Patchogue Bay

PATCHOGUE, NY — Suffolk health officials are warning residents and visitors to stay away from the waters of Patchogue Bay, following a recent report of 500 gallons of untreated raw sewer discharging nearby, authorities said.

The county's Department of Health Services' advisory, which was issued Thursday, follows the state Department of Environmental Conservation's report of a raw sewage discharge, resulting from a broken pipe at a construction site at the corner of Maiden Lane and South Ocean Avenue in the village.

Raw sewage leaked from "a sanitary lateral" on South Ocean Avenue starting at 11:15 a.m. for about 37 minutes, according to the DEC's report. The reason for the discharge is a pipe break due to construction in the area, which disturbed an existing low pressure sewer lateral, the report states.

The area was excavated, and the liquid was removed with a cesspool or vacuum truck.

Because the discharge reached surface waters, there is potential for elevated levels of pathogenic organisms to be present in this area, and corrective actions to mitigate the discharge have been initiated, health department officials said.

Health department officials are working closely with the state, which has jurisdiction over the permitting, enforcement, and management of the Patchogue sewage treatment plant.

The state previously prohibited shellfish harvesting year-round from Patchogue Bay, including nearby tributaries, creeks, and canals.

Health officials advise those engaged in recreational activities in the area to avoid contact with the water, as well as keep children and pets away, from Patchogue Bay until noon Saturday.

If contact occurs, rinse off the affected area with clean water immediately and seek medical attention if after exposure experienced includes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea; skin, eye, or throat irritation, or allergic reactions or breathing difficulties.

Corey Beach in Bayport has been closed to bathing due to the potential for excess bacteria resulting from the discharge. The beach will reopen when testing shows that bacteria are within acceptable limits.

More information will be forthcoming as health officials learn more about the situation.

For more information, go to suffolkcountyny.gov.