The Great South Bay is seen from Bay Shore, New York, Monday, Jan. 11, 2010. Following the second deadly brown tide in two years, New York conservation officials are planning to list Long Island's Great South Bay among the state's "impaired waters," a move that requires devising a strategy to cut pollution. The 45-mile natural harbor, which lies between Long Island and Fire Island and is an arm of the Atlantic Ocean, was once the source of nearly half the clams eaten in the United States. But the clam beds and water quality have been degraded over the years partly because of occasional large blooms of microscopic algae that turn the water brown and damage the seagrass that requires sunlight and serves as habitat for aquatic life. The causes of brown tide are still being studied. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
(Patchogue, NY)- Health officials in Suffolk County have issued an advisory for Patchogue River and Patchogue Bay after raw sewage discharge from a manhole. Officials say residents, fisherman, children and pets should avoid contact with the water until 3pm Thursday.
Suffolk County Health Department says they are working with the NYSDEC, and that “corrective actions to mitigate the discharge have been initiated”.
If contact with the water does occur- rinse off with clean water immediately. Seek medical attention if after exposure you experience nausea, vomiting or diarrhea; skin, eye or throat irritation, or allergic reactions or breathing difficulties.
Photo: The Great South Bay is seen from Bay Shore, New York, Monday, Jan. 11, 2010. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
