Community Corner

Sludge In the Sound; Keep Out of Water in Rye, Mamaroneck

The County Health Department warns residents to avoid Long Island Sound near Milton Harbor in Rye and Mamaroneck Harbor.

The Westchester County Department of Health is advising boaters and swimmers in Rye and Mamaroneck to keep out of the Long Island Sound until further notice due to an ongoing sludge force main break. The Department is specifically warning residents to avoid Milton Harbor in Rye and Mamaroneck Harbor. 

The main break occurred Monday near Blind Brook where the brook empties into the Long Island Sound, specifically in the vicinity of the Rye Marina on Stuyvesant Avenue near Milton Road in Rye, the Health Department reported around 8:30 p.m. Monday night.

“It is not known how much sludge has entered Long Island Sound due to the force main break,” the Department said.

Find out what's happening in Ryewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

 The Westchester County Department of Environmental Facilities took the force main out of service at about 2:15 p.m., but repair efforts are hindered by high tide. Low tide begins at about 4:30 a.m. Tuesday. The Department’s contractor will be on site at that time to begin repairs.

The county health department will sample the water tomorrow. Once results are received and evaluated, at the earliest on Wednesday afternoon, the health department will determine whether to reopen the beaches and lift the advisory or to sample the water again.

Find out what's happening in Ryewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Department of Health is advising all recreational boaters and swimmers in Rye Harbor, Milton Harbor and Greenhaven, in Rye, and in Mamaroneck Harbor to avoid contact with Long Island Sound until further notice. There will be no swimming at these beaches Tuesday and until further notice: Beach Point Club, Orienta Beach Club, Mamaroneck Beach and Yacht Club, Shore Acres Pointe and Harbor Island Park Beach, all in Mamaroneck; and American Yacht Club, Shenorock Shore Club, Coveleigh Club and Greenhaven Association, all in Rye.

Check with Patch for the latest updates on the water quality and the Department advisory. 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here