Port Jefferson Harbor Sewage Spill: Health and Environmental Warning Issued

Sewage Spill in Port Jefferson Harbor

• ⚠️ Port Jefferson Harbor is under a warning due to a significant sewage spill caused by a 2-hour electrical malfunction.
• 💧 Approximately 30,000 gallons of partially treated sewage were discharged into the harbor from the local plant, according to the DEC.

Public Health Advisory

• 🚫 Residents, children, and pets are advised to avoid contact with the water until at least Wednesday.
• 🤢 Ingesting the contaminated water could lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and breathing difficulties.
• 🚿 Anyone who comes into contact with the water should rinse immediately with clean water.

Environmental Impact

• 🎣 The spill is a concern for the local environment, impacting fish spawning and the appearance of horseshoe crabs.
• 🚫 Shellfishing is off limits until further notice due to the contamination.
• 🌊 While the immediate harbor is affected, there's optimism that the broader Long Island Sound will not be significantly contaminated.

System Malfunction and Repairs

• ⚡ The incident was attributed to a partial malfunction of the electrical sewage UV disinfection system.
• ✅ Officials have stated that corrective actions to mitigate the discharge have been completed.
• 🐟 The harbor's natural ecosystem, including oysters and mussels, is expected to help filter the water over time.