Three Mile Harbor to be temporarily closed to shellfishing

Shellfish harvesting in Three Mile Harbor, East Hampton, is to be temporarily prohibited starting sunrise Saturday in anticipation of Three Mile Harbor Fireworks event weekend, the state Department of Environmental Conservation said Thursday.

The ban is instituted annually, as an increased number of boats in the area could lead to discharged sewage and the resulting shellfish contamination which would be harmful to consumers' health, the DEC said.

The ban is expected to be lifted Thursday, July 24, the DEC said.

Boaters are reminded that the area is "a no-discharge zone," and that they should seek out area "waste pump out facilities," the DEC said.

For a recorded update on this temporary shellfishing ban, call 631-444-0480 or check www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/35917.html.