Residents warned against contact with Patchogue waterways after raw sewage spill

Suffolk County health officials are warning residents not to swim, boat or fish in Patchogue waterways until Saturday morning after raw sewage was discharged into them during construction.

The county’s department of health issued the warning Thursday after they were notified by the state Department of Environmental Conservation that a pipe failed during sewer improvements, causing raw sewage to discharge into a storm drain and reach surface waters.

Officials said there was a potential for elevated levels of pathogenic organisms. The county is working with the DEC to remove the sewage discharge and disinfect the waters. The pipe was repaired and officials said no further impacts are expected.

Residents and fishermen are being urged to avoid contact with waters in the Patchogue River and Patchogue Bay until 10 a.m. Saturday. Shellfish harvesting is already banned in the area.

Children and pets should also stay away from the area. Officials said anyone coming in contact with the water should rinse off immediately and seek medical attention if they experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin and eye irritation or difficulty breathing.

The discharge occurred during improvements to the sewage treatment plant conveyance network.

Suffolk County officials announced last week a $10 million project to connect 100 additional homes in South Patchogue to the village sewer system. Construction was underway last week, just off Patchogue River, which flows to Patchogue Bay.

By John Asbury

john.asbury@newsday.comJohnAsbury

John Asbury is a breaking news and general assignment reporter. He has been with Newsday since 2014 and previously worked at The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, California.