The Suffolk County Department of Health Services today issued an advisory to residents to take precautions before recreating on the fresh and tidal portions of the Peconic River, which runs east of Raynor Avenue to river mouth, due to the possible residual effects of approximately 4,000 gallons of untreated wastewater entering the river stemming from a pump station failure on Raynor Avenue. Corrective actions were taken immediately, and the situation was resolved. Suffolk County Health officials are working closely with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, which has jurisdiction over the permitting, enforcement and management at the Riverhead sewage treatment plant and its collection system.
Contact with waters in this portion of the Peconic River should be avoided for a minimum of 48 hours, four tidal cycles, unless testing indicates that it should be extended. 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.
SCDHS has initiated sampling of the river and will lift this advisory once sampling results indicate the water is safe for contact recreation.
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