Part of Oyster Bay Harbor to be reopened to shellfish harvesting

The eastern section of Oyster Bay Harbor will be reopened to shellfish harvesting as of sunrise Thursday, after being closed since May 23 following the accidental release of partially treated sewage from the Oyster Bay Sewer District, the state Department of Environmental Conservation said Wednesday.

The reopened area lies east "of a line extending southerly from Brickyard Point (Centre Island) to the landward end of the rock jetty located approximately 100 feet east of the boat launching ramps in Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park," the DEC said in a release.

Already reopened are the western section of Oyster Bay Harbor and portions of Cold Spring Harbor, meaning that as of Thursday all areas that had been closed will be available for shellfish harvesting.

The reopening is based on water and shellfish analysis showing conditions hazardous to consumers were not present, the DEC said.

A recorded message on temporary shellfish closures may be heard at 631-444-0480, or call the DEC marine resources office at 631-444-0492 or see the DEC website for details.