County: Beach Reopens After Sewage Spill

Long Islander News photo/Jano Tantongco

Centerport Yacht Club Beach reopened Friday after closing Wednesday due to a sewage spill originating in the Woodbine Marina, above.

By Jano Tantongco

jtantongco@longislandergroup.com

Centerport Yacht Club Beach reopened Friday evening after an act of vandalism Sunday caused a sewage spill in Woodbine Marina.

James Tomarken, commissioner of the Suffolk Department of Health Services, which originally announced the beach closure Wednesday night, said the beach reopened for bathing after collected samples showed the water quality to be within acceptable levels.

Sunday’s spill was caused by an unknown person who used the pump-out station, despite the presence of an “out of order” sign, said Huntington town spokesman A.J. Carter.

The town’s Maritime Services Department replaced a hose at the pump-out station, Carter said, and then wrapped it in plastic and added the sign to prevent usage.

But that didn’t stop at least one boater from using it, according to Carter.

“At some point on Sunday, someone took a knife and cut through the plastic and went to pump out his or her boat,” Carter said. “This was an act of vandalism.”

Since the old pump-out hose was removed, the boat’s holding tank contents spilled out into the harbor, he added. Suffolk health department officials said around 30-40 gallons of sewage spilled into the harbor.

Carter added that the hose was expected to arrive today to be fitted for replacement. He also asked anyone with information on the vandalism to call the town’s Public Safety Department at 631-351-3167, or Northport Village Police at 631-261-7500.