Media Release

FOR: Immediate Release
DATE: July 1, 1998
CONTACT: Ernest Julian, Ph.D. (401) 222-2749 x 2429

Health Department Closes Beaches in Newport Harbor
Ocean Shore Beaches Still Open and Safe

Providence - The Rhode Island Department of Health recommends closing King Park and Fort Adams beaches in Newport Harbor due to sewage contamination. Yesterday’s rain caused the discharge of 800,000 gallons of partially treated sewage from the nearby treatment plant.

Fort Adams State Beach and King Park re-opened on June 22 after testing showed that contamination from a previous sewage overflow had subsided.

"The water quality in the bay was improving after the recent storms, but the weather just isn’t cooperating," said Dr. Patricia Nolan, Director of Health in Rhode Island. "Anytime this degree of contamination occurs, the safe thing is to recommend closure. We will continue to monitor these areas and recommend that they are re-opened when we’re sure they are healthy."

Town beaches in Barrington and Warren remain closed in addition to Conimicut Point, Oakland Beach and City Park (Buttonwoods) beaches in Warwick. Except for Fort Adams, all State beaches are open.

Operation of the ocean beaches along the coastline in South County, Newport and Little Compton has not been affected by the sewage contamination in the bay. These include: Scarborough, Narragansett, Matunuck, Charlestown, Sand Hill Cove, Misquamicut, Bonnet Shores, Easton’s, Second and Third Beach (Newport), as well as other popular ocean beaches. They are open and safe for swimming.

The Department of Health also recommends that boaters using the water in the upper bay wash their hands after contact with water in these areas—particularly before eating.

With regard to shellfishing, on June 29 the DEM re-opened waters in the middle part of the bay between the north and south tips of Prudence Island. This area continues to remain open following yesterday’s rain. The DEM also reports that Conditional Areas A and B in the upper bay as well as Greenwich Bay and the Mount Hope Bay/Kickemuit River area will remain closed for at least another week. For information concerning shellfish closure areas call DEM’s shellfishing recorded hotline at 401-222-2900.

For speech or hearing impaired,
1-800-745-5555 (TTY)
Department of Health Website: www.health.state.ri.us