Weather Alert  

AIR QUALITY ALERT IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM EDT THIS EVENING An Air Quality Health Advisory remains in effect for the following counties: Nassau and Suffolk. Until 11 PM EDT this evening. Air quality levels in outdoor air are predicted to be greater than an Air Quality Index value of 100 for the pollutant of ground level ozone. The New York State Department of Health recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects. People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young, and those with preexisting respiratory problems such as asthma or heart disease. Those with symptoms should consider consulting their personal physician. A toll free air quality hotline has been established so New York residents can stay informed on the air quality situation. The toll free number is 1 800 5 3 5, 1 3 4 5.

DEC To Reopen 303 Acres To Shellfishing In Long Island Waters

Press Releases

By Published: September 25 2014

LongIsland.com

Routine water quality monitoring shows water quality improvements.

Print Email

Long Island, NY - September 25, 2014 - Citing water quality improvements based on recent water quality surveys, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens announced regulations that will reopen shellfish harvesting areas in three Suffolk County towns. Shellfish harvesting will be permitted during particular months of the year in approximately 303 acres of bays and creeks in the Towns of Babylon, Southold and East Hampton.

The surveys showed improvements in water quality, with reduced levels of fecal coliform bacteria during cooler months of the year. The survey results support DEC amended regulations that upgrade shellfish classifications in the affected areas from uncertified (closed) year-round to seasonally certified (open). Shellfish from these areas may be harvested during the specified certified periods.

The changes which took effect on Wednesday, September 24, 2014 are listed below:

Great South Bay (Town of Babylon): Approximately 150 acres of uncertified underwater lands are now designated as seasonally certified from October 1 through May 14, annually.

Northwest Creek (Town of East Hampton): Approximately 88 acres of uncertified underwater lands are now designated as seasonally certified from December 15 through April 30, annually.

Mattituck Creek (Town of Southold): Approximately 52 acres of uncertified underwater lands are now designated as seasonally certified from January 15 through April 15, annually.

Wickham Creek (Town of Southold): Approximately 13 acres of uncertified underwater lands are now designated as seasonally certified from December 1 through April 30, annually.

DEC continually conducts sanitary surveys and monitors water quality around Long Island as part of its participation in the National Shellfish Sanitation Program. As necessary, DEC will make changes to the classification of shellfish lands to protect the public health.

Text descriptions and maps of the affected areas will be available on DEC's website. For information about shellfish safety and New York's role in the National Shellfish Sanitation Program, visit the DEC website. Additional information may also be obtained by contacting DEC's Shellfisheries Section at (631) 444-0492.