Sewer Main Break in Ossining Closes Beaches
At least two beaches are closed because of a sewer main break in Ossining.
Croton Point Park Beach and Philipse Manor Beach are closed until further notice, according to the Westchester County Department of Health, which issued a release and notified area marinas and boating clubs today.
The Village of Ossining reported a fallen tree caused a break in an 18-inch sewer main, which discharges 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 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.
Ossining officials hope that the main can be fixed by Friday.
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.
Adam has worked in the local news industry for the past two decades in Westchester County and the broader Hudson Valley. Read more from Adam’s author bio here.