Due to heavy rainfall, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management announced the closure of several shellfish harvesting areas in southern Rhode Island on Thursday, May 23.
The closures include Pt. Judith Pond, Potter Pond, Ninigret Pond, Quonochontaug Pond, and Winnapaug Pond. The closures are scheduled to reopen at noon on Thursday.
Heavy rainfall in Washington County overnight dropped more than 4 inches of rain in 12 hours, according to a press release from the DEM. The rain created bacteria levels that exceed safe levels for shellfish harvesting, according to the DEM.
The DEM stated that “Previous monitoring has indicated that bacteria levels exceed safe shellfishing standards in the salt ponds following rainfall of more than 3” in 24 hours. Therefore, these shellfish areas are closed to safeguard public health following the extreme rainfall.”
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management announced the closure of several shellfish harvesting areas in south Rhode Island on Thursday, May 23, due to heavy rainfall. The closures include Pt. Judith Pond, Potter Pond, Ninigret Pond, Quonochontaug Pond, and Winnapaug Pond. The closures are scheduled to reopen at noon on Thursday.
According to the DEM, the shellfish harvesting areas will be closed to safeguard public health and will reopen after the bacteria levels have returned to safe levels within seven days.
The DEM is monitoring shellfish harvesting waters across the state for any changes in water quality, according to the press release.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What’sUpNewp journalist with the reporting included in this story.
