Four
other beaches remain closed to bathing.
Venetian
Shores Beach in the Town of Babylon is closed to bathing due to the finding of
bacteria in excess of acceptable criteria.
Tanner
Park Beach and Amityville Village Beach in the Town of Babylon and Lake
Ronkonkoma and Benjamins Beach in the Town of Islip remain closed as lab
results indicate the continuation of excess bacteria.
Bacteria
can be introduced to recreational waters from a variety of sources, including storm
water runoff, resident waterfowl populations, failing or poorly operating
septic systems, sewage spills, boats and marinas, floatable debris, and from
bathers themselves.
According to Suffolk
County Commissioner of Health Dr. James Tomarken, bathing in
bacteria-contaminated water can result in gastrointestinal illness, as well as
infections of the eyes, ears, nose, and throat.
Beaches will reopen
when further testing reveals that the bacteria have subsided to acceptable
levels.
For
the latest information on affected beaches, call the Bathing Beach HOTLINE at
852-5822 or contact the Department's Office of Ecology at 852-5760 during
normal business hours. http://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/HealthServices/EnvironmentalQuality/Ecology/BeachMonitoringProgram.aspx
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