Fireworks closes East Hampton harbor to shellfishing

Three Mile Harbor in East Hampton will be closed for shellfishing Saturday through next Wednesday due to this weekend's fireworks over the harbor, the state Department of Environmental Conservation said late Tuesday.

Officials say the annual fireworks attract a large number of recreational boats, which can produce sewage that harms shellfish beds and make them unsafe.

The harbor closes for shellfishing Saturday at sunrise and will remain closed for four days after the fireworks, until Wednesday, the DEC said in a statement.

Boaters are required to use pump-out facilities in the Peconic-Gardiners Bay area, which includes Three Mile Harbor, and East Hampton Town also runs a pump-out boat for no charge.