August 11, 2011 AVOID CONTACT WITH THE HUDSON RIVER IN WESTCHESTER

this is unrelated to last month's sewage treatment plant failure in northern manhattan.  seems one positive thing that came from that event is raised awareness of the water quality.

NEWS RELEASE

       Cheryl Archbald, MD, MPH, Acting Commissioner, Department of Health
       Ned McCormack, Communications Director
       Contact:  Caren Halbfinger (914) 813-5013 / after hours: 813-5000

       FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 11, 2011

                 AVOID CONTACT WITH THE HUDSON RIVER IN WESTCHESTER

                   Sewage Discharge in Ossining Closes Two Beaches

       The Westchester County Department of Health has notified area marinas
       and boating clubs and has advised Croton Point Park Beach and Philipse
       Manor Beach to close today, as a result of a sewer main break in
       Ossining.

       The Westchester County Department of Health was notified of the
       incident today and also advises people who use the Hudson River waters
       for recreational purposes, namely swimmers, boaters, windsurfers and
       kayakers, to avoid direct contact with the Hudson River until further
       notice.  The Health Department is collecting beach water quality
       samples today and will issue an updated advisory based on sample
       results received tomorrow.

       The village of Ossining today reported that a fallen tree had caused a
       break in an 18-inch sewer main, which is discharging sewage into
       Killbrook Creek, near the intersection of Water Street and Central
       Avenue in Ossining, about a quarter mile from the Hudson River. The
       health department estimates 1.5 million gallons per day of sewage is
       discharging due to the break. The village is adding chlorine solution
       upstream to provide partial treatment of the sewage before it is
       discharged to the Hudson River, and is working to repair the break.

       The health department will continue to monitor the situation and
       respond as needed.

       The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation,the New
       York State Department of Health, and the New York City Department of
       Environmental Protection have been notified.

       For more information on the status of repairs to the sewer main break,
       contact the Village of Ossining.