Shellfish Closures Plague Accabonac

by Cile Downs

Experts call our Accabonac Creek “impaired” and for good reason: the coliform contamination is increasing. In October*, areas closed to shellfishing, either seasonally or permanently, became more extensive. The DEC tests for coliform fairly frequently and determines closings based on the data. We wondered if the DNA of the samples was also tested, to indicate whether the source was human (from failing septics) or animal (from runoff of ditches and roads). The health threat is generally higher from human waste as it can carry hepatitis.

According to Kim Shaw, East Hampton’s director of Natural Resources, DNA is not the important issue. She explained that the DEC tests are most often done after major storm events, when runoff increases the coliform count—but temporarily. She maintains that closures should not be based on data gathered only after heavy precipitation, because normal counts are not as high. Unlike more-developed areas where a high coliform count is more consistent, it is variable here—and that should be taken into consideration.

The two areas of the creek now closed year round include the area west of Shipyard Lane, and the southeast portion behind lower Louse Point Road.

*The state Department of Environmental Conservation’s Shellfisheries Section has downgraded approximately 20 acres of bottomland in Accabonac Harbor in Springs from seasonally uncertified to uncertified year-round, meaning that the harvesting of shellfish is prohibited. The areas were previously uncertified from May 1 through November 30 — from the East Hampton Star.