Sewage Leak Into Peconic River Sparks Notice To Residents To Avoid Recreating In Tidal Pool

RIVERHEAD, NY — A pipe break led to the discharge of sewage into the Peconic River Wednesday — and a recommendation that people refrain from recreating in the tidal portion at the present time.

According to Riverhead Town Supervisor Jerry Halpin, on Wednesday at about 10 a.m., authorized contractors working on behalf of the Town of Riverhead on the sewer connection for 203-213 E. Main St. unearthed an old, fractured lateral pipe that began leaking into the excavation site, potentially fouling the ongoing de-watering taking place at the site.

According to Riverhead Town Sewer District Superintendent Tim Allen: "Once the contractors noticed the leak, they implemented their bypass pump, which took about 45 minutes to bring online. The de-watering effluent of approximately 10,000 gallons was discharged to the Peconic River from the de-watering box. The de-watering box was monitored during the spill and didn't appear to be contaminated. The pipe repair was effectuated in about an hour after the leak was discovered. I am very confident in the integrity of the repair that the team performed on the broken pipe and do not anticipate any further action will be necessary."

The New York State DEC and Suffolk County Health Department were notified, and the Health Department arrived on scene at about 1 p.m., town officials said. They inspected the repair and deemed no additional cleanup was needed in the excavation site. The Health Department took samples from the river and results should be expected in 3 to 5 days.

The public is asked to refrain from recreating in the tidal portion of the Peconic River pending results from the Health Department, officials said.

According to the Suffolk County Health Department, if contact does occur, rinse off with clean water immediately. Seek medical attention if after exposure you experience nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, skin, eye or throat irritation, or allergic reactions or breathing difficulties.

Halpin stated: "I am extremely proud of the men and women of the Town of Riverhead sewer department and thank them for their hard work. I have spoken at length with Superintendent Allen and have the utmost confidence in his leadership. This was an isolated incident and I am cautiously optimistic that no further remediation will be required."