Study that tracks flow of treated wastewater temporarily turns Oyster Bay Harbor red
Marine Biologist Kevin Ryan said the last time such a study was done was in 1976 and since upgrades were made to the plant in the ‘90s, it was time to take another look.
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The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, in conjunction with the FDA, is tracking the flow of treated wastewater from the Oyster Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant in Oyster Bay Harbor.
It’s being done with the use of dye, which has turned parts of the harbor red.
Marine Biologist Kevin Ryan said the last time such a study was done was in 1976 and since upgrades were made to the plant in the ‘90s, it was time to take another look.
He said they’re injecting the dye into the outfall of the wastewater plant “to determine its effects on Oyster Bay Harbor with regards to shell fishing and using it to determine the effectiveness of our shellfishing closures within Oyster Bay harbor.”
“I want clean water, clean product, so people can eat and consume my clams and fish,” said bayman Bill Fetzer.
The red water is only temporary, and officials say the dye is harmless. The results are expected in a couple of months.
