On December 15, 2015, the Suffolk County Department of
Health Services issued an advisory to residents to take precautions before
recreating on the tidal portion of the Peconic River (east of Grangebel Park)
due to the possible residual effects of inadequately treated wastewater
discharged from the Riverhead sewage treatment plant.
The treatment plant is currently being
upgraded, thereby, disrupting normal operations of the plant’s treatment
process. Corrective actions at the treatment plant have been implemented,
and the situation has improved, as effluent currently meets the bacteriological
limits established by the New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation (NYSDEC). However, high chlorination rates occurring at the
sewage treatment plant are resulting in a visible plume of cloudy water in the
area of the river where the effluent is discharged.
Suffolk County Health officials continue to work
closely with the NYSDEC, which has jurisdiction over the permitting and
enforcement at the facility, and with the management at the Riverhead plant.
Avoid contact with waters in this tidal portion of the
Peconic River. Keep children and pets away from the area, as well. If contact
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.
More information is forthcoming as health officials
learn more about the situation.